Endowment fund for trans-persons

The fund will help trans people become economically independent by providing interest-free loans to set up business

Transgender persons have long suffered discriminations, social disabilities and economic hardships in almost all societies of the world. In recent years, however, there is much realisation that transgender people are being treated wrongly simply because of their gender, and corrective measures are being taken to provide them equal rights and opportunities. The provincial government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has decided to set up an endowment fund for the welfare of transgender people. In this regard, a bill, to be known as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Trans Persons Welfare Endowment Act 2022, has been tabled in the provincial assembly. Initially the endowment fund has been set up with Rs50 million. Though it is a small amount, it is hoped that the money would gradually be increased to lift the socio-economic status of the neglected segment of society.

The noble intention of the government too is demonstrated by the fact that money contributed by philanthropists, NGOs and other suchlike national and international bodies will be credited in the endowment fund. Besides facing a host of discriminations, transgender people are being murdered too. In K-P, 70 transgender persons have been killed since 2015. According to the 2017 census, the province has nearly 1,000 transgenders. In order to prevent misuse of the benevolent fund, the Act is likely to stipulate the condition of CNIC, where the gender of the CNIC holder is mentioned, for availing the financial assistance from the fund. Now the provincial government has righted a serious wrong as the country’s constitution guarantees equal rights and opportunities to all citizens irrespective of gender, creed and race.

The fund will help trans people to become economically independent by providing them interest-free loans to set up small businesses. They should also be given financial aid for medical treatment and other emergencies. The uplift of transgenders will strengthen their self-confidence and self-respect. This will go a long way in bringing about a positive change in society’s attitude towards them. The K-P government’s step needs to be replicated in other parts of the country.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2022.

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