The Sindh government has approved the draft of Pakistan’s first-ever ‘Transgender Education Policy,’ which includes provisions to add a separate category for transgender children on school and college admission forms, alongside male and female options.
The draft, approved during a meeting led by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, will soon be presented to the provincial cabinet for fin
al approval. The policy also includes job quotas for transgender individuals in teacher recruitment.
The aim of the policy is to ensure education for transgender children and to eliminate discrimination. According to the 2023 census, there are 20,331 transgender individuals in Pakistan, with 4,222 residing in Sindh.
The meeting highlighted that input from transgender advocates was crucial in drafting the policy. The education minister discussed the many challenges faced by transgender individuals in accessing education, including societal prejudice, mistreatment, and exclusion. Financial difficulties, limited employment opportunities, and fears of harassment in educational settings often deter transgender people from pursuing education.
The policy seeks to provide a supportive environment for transgender students, including the establishment of special schools and non-formal education training centers. It also focuses on safeguarding transgender individuals’ identities, safety, and educational needs. Teachers will be trained to address the psychological and educational challenges faced by transgender students.
Furthermore, the policy includes skill development programs for transgender individuals to improve their employment outcomes, as well as anti-harassment measures in educational institutions. Public awareness campaigns will be launched to promote equal opportunities and rights for transgender individuals once the policy is approved by the cabinet.
