KARACHI: Pakistan’s first-ever ‘Transgender Education Policy’ draft has been approved in a meeting chaired by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah.
The policy introduces a separate category for transgender students in school and college admission forms, alongside male and female options.
The draft also proposes reserved job quotas for transgender individuals in teacher recruitment and will be presented to the cabinet for final approval.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that according to the 2023 census, Pakistan has 20,331 transgender individuals, with 4,222 residing in Sindh. However, NGO estimates suggest the number is closer to 250,000.
USAID research reveals that 42% of transgender individuals are only marginally literate, and 40% lack access to education entirely.
Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah addressed the barriers transgender individuals face in accessing education, noting that societal prejudice, mistreatment, and exclusion often prevent them from enrolling. Financial constraints and limited employment opportunities also make education unaffordable, while the fear of harassment further deters them from attending educational institutions.
Shah also pointed out the lack of curriculum specifically designed for transgender needs. The new policy aims to create a supportive environment, including specialized schools and non-formal education centers for transgender students.
Skill development programs are included to empower transgender individuals, and the policy stresses creating anti-harassment protections within educational institutions.
Public awareness campaigns will follow the policy’s approval, promoting equal opportunities for transgender individuals. Support groups in schools will help transgender children navigate societal pressures, and successful transgender individuals will be showcased as mentors to inspire others to pursue education.
Minister Shah emphasized that providing education to transgender individuals will open doors to respectable employment, enabling them to contribute positively to society.
