02 March 2024
Arifa Mayuri was born in prosperity but faced a difficult journey when she decided to embrace her identity. She battled with gender dysphoria and then transitioned from living as a transgender individual into a world that treated this decision with scorn and contempt.
 
                                    Mayuri's strength grew as she grew into adulthood. It helped her
                                        navigate through a patriarchal and traditional environment without flinching.
                                        Mayuri was not swayed by stereotypes or prejudices. She chose an unconventional
                                        path.
                                        Mayuri was a great entrepreneur. She was a courageous entrepreneur who, despite
                                        psychological barriers and the distrust of others around her, dared to dream
                                        about starting her own company despite numerous obstacles including financial
                                        limitations and building trust with those she worked alongside. She was able to
                                        overcome these obstacles with her resilience and become a successful
                                        entrepreneur.
                                        Siri Handicrafts began in a small room rented by Mayuri, where she and trans
                                        women produced intricate handcrafted items. Siri Handicrafts was not an
                                        overnight success. It took a long time to overcome initial skepticism and gain
                                        recognition for their quality products.
                                        Mayuri's entrepreneurial journey went beyond her success. Siri Handicrafts
                                        employs more than 500 marginalized women in villages around her district town.
                                        An additional 150 hijras have found permanent employment at her factory.
                                        Her business venture is not only a source of economic opportunity, but it also
                                        challenges the societal norms that have marginalized transgender people for many
                                        years.
                                        Mayuri's story challenges traditional perceptions of gender identity. She
                                        rejects labels like "third gender" and advocates that hijras be recognized as
                                        individuals capable of meaningful contributions to society.
                                        Mayuri's childhood traumatic experiences have inspired her to advocate on behalf
                                        of transgender people by creating Hijra Palli. This village is dedicated to
                                        housing these individuals and includes houses, livestock, farms, communal
                                        spaces, etc.
                                        Mayuri's ambitions are far-reaching and extend beyond the boundaries of her
                                        community to include marginalized women in general. She wants to be elected as a
                                        female representative in parliament and become a catalyst for the development of
                                        both her community and other marginalized women.