In a landmark move, Pakistan’s first draft policy for transgender education has been approved in a meeting led by Sindh’s Education Minister, Syed Sardar Ali Shah. The policy aims to improve educational opportunities for transgender individuals by introducing specific provisions such as a dedicated category in school and college admission forms and a recruitment quota for transgender candidates in teaching positions.
The meeting, attended by key officials, including Sindh’s Secretary of School Education Zahid Ali Abbasi and Chief Executive Advisor Fauzia Khan, also highlighted the findings of the 2023 national census, which reported 20,331 transgender people in Pakistan, with 4,222 residing in Sindh. However, NGOs such as Charity Trans Action Pakistan suggest the actual number could be much higher, estimating around 250,000 transgender people across the country.
Research from USAID also showed alarming educational disparities, with 42% of transgender people having low literacy levels and 40% lacking access to education. The policy was developed after consultations with transgender community representatives to address these issues.
Minister Shah acknowledged the many barriers faced by transgender people, including social discrimination, abuse, and a lack of access to quality education. He emphasized that many transgender individuals face challenges like harassment and limited job prospects, which discourage them from pursuing education.
The new policy will introduce a supportive educational environment by training teachers to better understand and address the needs of transgender students. It will also provide vocational training programs and establish anti-harassment policies in schools to ensure a safer learning atmosphere.
Additionally, support groups and mentorship programs will be created to help transgender students navigate social pressures and encourage educational success. Public awareness campaigns will be launched to promote the rights and equality of transgender individuals, with further discussions underway to provide educational resources for low-income transgender students through the Benazir Income Support Programme.
Once the policy is legally approved by the provincial cabinet, it will be rolled out with public campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of transgender education and inclusion.
