“I’m Premleela, a trans woman and the founder of Prem Leela Creations, where we make eco-friendly jute bags and paper plates. Like many in my community, I had no choice but to depend on seeking alms for survival at one point. Finding work wasn’t just difficult—it was nearly impossible. People refused to hire us, and society didn’t see us as capable of doing anything beyond what they had already decided for us.

In 2021, I joined a Skill Development Program by the Telangana government, where I trained in jute bag making. Learning a skill that could actually help me earn was a turning point. I didn’t want to stop there—I wanted to make sure others also had a chance at financial independence.

We now train and employ trans women and other women from underprivileged backgrounds in tailoring, jute bag making, and operating atta machines. This is not just about making a living—it’s about breaking the cycle of dependence and proving that anyone, given the right opportunity, can stand on their own.

Several NGOs and corporate companies are now stepping forward to support us. They are not only placing orders for our jute bags but also helping us with raw materials.

Through the Telangana Indira Mahila Shakti Scheme, we’ll soon have a permanent stall at Shilparamam. These opportunities are proof that change is happening, even if slowly.

There are still struggles. Discrimination doesn’t disappear overnight. But today, when I see a woman confidently running a sewing machine, earning her own money, and walking with her head held high, I know we are moving in the right direction. My goal is to grow this initiative so that everyone, regardless of their background, has a fair chance at financial stability.”