A home for the marginalised
In a society where transgender individuals often face discrimination, marginalisation and limited opportunities, the work of activists and non-governmental organisations is crucial to change the narrative and create a more inclusive and equitable future. Through advocacy, skill development programs, and shelter initiatives, they aim to provide marginalised individuals with the opportunities and support they need to lead dignified lives.
One of them is Sardara, a highly qualified transgender activist who works as a manager with the UNDP HIV programme. She has also long been working with the Sanam Fakir Social Welfare Organisation in Sukkur, which is dedicated to the welfare and rights of the marginalised and vulnerable communities, with a special focus on the transgender community.
A graduate of Karachi University, Sardara also holds a four-year diploma in textile designing from Karachi School of Arts. However, nothing came easy to her. She faced discrimination due to her identity, especially during the years while she was studying. Her personal hardship motivated her to take up the fight for transgender rights and to raise her voice for the urgent need to eliminate the stigma faced by transgender individuals.
Sardara believes that the transgender community can contribute positively to society if it is provided with the right opportunities and skills. Members of her community have as much right to a respectable life in mainstream society as do men and women, she said. “It is my dream to pull the transgender community out of [demeaning work] like begging and prostitution,” she told The Express Tribune. “This is not what we should be doing. We must rise above all this filth and march towards a better and respectable future.” This is the mission of the Sanam Fakir Social Welfare Organisation. It aims “to improve the lives of transgender individuals, ensuring they live with dignity, respect, and equality,” she said.
Amma Jamila is over 90 years old and has been teaching the Holy Quran to little girls and boys for 60 odd years. “Transgender people are also the creation of God,” she said, “therefore, they should be treated respectfully.” Expressing displeasure over the transgender people who are engaged in begging and in wrong practices, she said, they must realise that God created them like they are, therefore they should not indulge in demeaning acts that are sinful.
Sardara shared that improving future prospects for members of her community is an uphill battle. “We tried our best to provide a respectable and better place for the transgender, but so far our efforts haven’t borne fruits as desired,” said the transgender activist.
She urged for more government action without which this cannot be possible. “The Sindh government should implement its education policy without further delay,” she said. Projects should be allocated to the transgender-led organisations that exist at the provincial level, rather than others, in order to ensure empowerment of the transgender community.
An upcoming project of the Sanam Fakir organisation is the establishment of a shelter home for elderly and young transgender individuals. Sardara said, “Transgender people often face discrimination, marginalisation, and social isolation, particularly as they become older or when they are striving hard to find their identity.” The shelter will offer a safe, peaceful, and secure environment for the young and old members of the transgender community, one where they can live without fear of discrimination or violence. “We have developed a detailed future plan that focuses on initiatives aimed at improving the lives of both elderly and young transgender individuals, providing them with the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”
The shelter will provide comprehensive medical and mental health care, with particular attention to the needs of both elderly and youth transgender individuals. This will include regular health check-ups, therapy, and gender-affirming healthcare, where necessary. Social programs to foster connection and community will include group activities, creative arts, meditation, and fitness programs to combat loneliness and encourage engagement. This will be equally beneficial in developing a sense of belonging.
Founder of the welfare organisation and member of the Sukkur Municipal Corporation, Sanam Fakir, said, “We will work to reconnect transgender individuals with their families, if possible, or assist in establishing supportive relationships within the community. Additionally, we will advocate for the social rights of transgender individuals within society.”
The organisation plans to launch a digital skills training program to empower transgender individuals to participate actively in the digital world. This program aims to equip both the young and old with the required tools for personal growth and employment opportunities in the digital space.
Those who wish to advance their skills further, specialised skills training in areas such as graphic design, social media management, web development and digital marketing will be made available.
Acquiring these professional skills will open up opportunities for freelance work, remote employment, or business ventures, helping transgender individuals achieve financial independence and empowerment.
“After completing the training program, the organisation will provide job placement assistance to help participants secure positions in tech-related fields, such as IT support, content creation, and digital marketing,” Sanam shared. Additionally, transgender individuals will receive guidance for starting and managing small businesses, especially in the digital domain, to ensure long-term financial stability.
The Sanam Fakir Social Welfare Organisation continues to raise awareness and promote understanding about the rights and needs of transgender individuals through advocacy and outreach programs. These programs will challenge misconceptions about transgender persons and encourage inclusion. “Our organisation will work with legal experts to ensure [safeguarding] the rights of transgender individuals, particularly the elderly and youth, are protected. We will advocate for laws and policies that ensure equal access to healthcare, housing, and social services for the transgender community,” said Sanam.
Amma Jamila urged upon the transgender community to join hands with Sanam and Sardara in accomplishing the desired goal. She also hoped the government would implement laws about transgender individuals in letter and spirit so that they too can lead a respectable life. With hope for the future of transgender people, she said, "I am optimistic and pray that the young and energetic transgender like Sanam and Sardara will become successful in their noble mission.”
Through her relentless efforts, Sardara continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and empowered transgender community in Sindh. Sardara’s extensive experience in both research and healthcare reflects in her dedication to improving the lives of marginalised communities, particularly transgender.
“Our advocacy and community integration efforts will ensure that no transgender individual, regardless of age, is left behind in society,” said Sanam. “Taking these steps, we can help transform the lives of transgender individuals, whether elderly or youth, and ensure they are not only surviving but thriving in their communities,” she added.
Sarfaraz Memon is a freelance journalist and contributor based in Sukkur.
All facts and information are the responsibility of the writer