Earlier last week, Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah announced plans of introducing the first-ever ‘transgender education policy’ in Sindh to help facilitate the provision of education in the transgender community. This is a remarkable step for integrating the transgender community into mainstream society because nearly 40,000 trans-persons reside across the province. The absence of government support and societal marginalisation has pushed the community into gloom and isolation. However, the education minister’s recent meeting with leaders of the transgender community signals a positive change and move towards acknowledgement.
Across the country, trans-persons are regularly subjected to derogation, discrimination and violence. Within the past month, a series of attacks were carried out on trans-persons in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, leaving five dead and eight injured. The failure of law enforcement agencies to act against the criminals and consider the complaints in earnest has emboldened the perpetrators. In light of these events, the plan to empower and educate trans-persons could not be better timed. The inclusion of the trans-community in school curriculums will inform the upcoming generations about the community and make them more receptive.
Although it will take Pakistan time to fully integrate this hapless community into society, such measures at the provincial level have the potential to pave the way for greater inclusivity and acceptance. Those trans-persons who have not completed their education will be able to continue their education via the policy. This coupled with the examples of Nisha Rao and Dr Sarah Gill will ignite hope in trans-persons across the country. We have yet to see the outcome of the policy; however, one can hope for its implementation and smooth functioning. Perhaps, it will encourage other provincial governments to follow suit. Importantly, the success of this policy will be monumental for the trans-community as it will encourage them to seek education and pursue their dreams.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 16th, 2022.
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