Dynamics within transgender community impedes their access to education

Islamabad: Besides social stigma attached to transgender identity that limits their mobility and access to education, the dynamics within transgender community also impedes their access to educational opportunities.

The challenges faced by transgender community were highlighted in a report titled ‘Recognition to Rights: Reflecting the Legislative Process for Transgender Rights in Pakistan’ launched by Forum for Dignity Initiatives (FDI) on Thursday.

The study conducted by lawyer Khadija Ali says that year 2017 was an important year for transgender movement in Pakistan as there was increased recognition of their rights but on the other hand situation of violence, discrimination and social stigmas remained the same.

The report says that the community faced worst form of discrimination and violence from the public officials especially law enforcement agencies. “A person’s pet suffers less discrimination as compared to a transgender person in this country,” the report quotes a comment from a transgender.

The study says that according to primary data collected for the research, the situation of transgender community is not better than before. “The community constantly suffers from rampant discrimination from family, community, society, and the state. They face extreme form of sexual violence, threats and sexual assault,” says the report.

It says that transgender persons from religious minority suffer a great deal of harassment, discrimination and violence. It also highlights the challenges faced by old aged transgender persons and suggests special measures to arrange for their employment of social benefits.

The report suggests building greater synergies amongst transgender community for better lobbying and advocacy, developing and strengthening partnerships, harnessing technical, legal and medical expertise of trans activities all over the country, evidence based research, capacity building of transgender groups and an inclusive trans-movement in the country focusing more on the vulnerable groups.

Member National Commission on the Status of Women Shafiq Chaudhry stressed for special measures to discourage segregation and to ensure inclusive society. He expressed expectations that the legislation on Transgender community that has been passed by the Senate would face hindrance in the National Assembly.

FDI Board of Directors President and a transwoman Maya Zaman in her concluding remarks thanked all participants and urged all segments of the society to come forward and support transgender community in their movement of rights and recognition.

Another celebrated feature of the event was when the brother of Maya Zaman came to the podium and for the first time publically owned her sister. “It was the best moment of my life. He came from Saudi Arabia to meet me and own me after seven years,” said Maya who still struggles to have same acceptance from other family members specially her mother.