Trans persons offered skill development

LAHORE:

The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has unveiled a two-year skills development programme to empower the transgender community.

According to a statement, the initiative seeks to provide on-the-job training and employment opportunities for 2,200 transgender people across the province.

Launched under the Punjab Chief Minister's Skills Development Programme, the project aspires to bring social inclusion and economic empowerment to the transgender community. It offers training in market-relevant trades, provides toolkits and facilitates access to concessionary loans to promote income generation and entrepreneurship.

A PSDF spokesperson noted that while Pakistan's transgender population is estimated to exceed four million, only about 20,000 individuals are officially registered. The lack of formal recognition has led to widespread exclusion from education, skills training and employment opportunities. "The Punjab government is committed to addressing these challenges by providing access to formal education and training tailored to market demands," the spokesperson stated.

The programme focuses on training in performing arts, beauty services, domestic tailoring, culinary arts and information technology.