Digital media in the economic empowerment of the Hijra community

Despite official recognition in 2013, the Hijra community in Bangladesh continues to endure persistent discrimination and exclusion, limiting them to traditional and menial professions and perpetuating their cycle of poverty and marginalization. This study examines the economic potential of digital media for the Hijra community and the barriers they face in harnessing it for economic empowerment. Through qualitative analysis conducted via semi-structured interviews with Hijra participants, we explore their perceptions of digital media’s opportunities and challenges. Thematic analysis reveals that while Hijras primarily use digital media for psychological needs, they recognize its potential for economic empowerment. However, they encounter barriers, such as financial constraints, limited education and digital literacy, and societal stigma, hindering their ability to leverage digital platforms for economic advancement. Drawing from our findings, we propose actionable recommendations, including policy changes, enhanced online safety measures, educational initiatives for digital literacy, public awareness campaigns, and financial assistance to enable the Hijra community to fully harness the economic potential of digital media and alleviate their socioeconomic struggles.