Lahore college for women university

Submitted by: Alia jamil.

Sana khalil

Mehreen fatima

Submitted to : Mam Wajeeha

Roll no: 23251341004,42,36

Subject: Human Rights

Major: Bs 4 (Social Work)

Topic: Rights of Transgender.

 o Define Transgender:

A transgender person is someone whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned
at birth. This term encompasses a broad spectrum of gender identities, including those who
identify as gender non-conforming, genderqueer, or as having a gender that is fluid or changes
over time.

• Types of Transgender:

There are various identities within the transgender community, but they can be broadly
categorized into:

• Trans men:

People who were assigned female at birth but identify and live as men.

• Trans women:

People who were assigned male at birth but identify and live as women.

• Non-binary:

Individuals who do not exclusively identify as male or female. This can include genderqueer,
agender, bigender, or genderfluid identities.

• Genderfluid:

People whose gender identity shifts over time or depending on the situation.

• Two-Spirit:

A term used by some Indigenous cultures to describe a person who embodies both masculine
and feminine qualities. This is specific to certain Indigenous cultures and may vary in meaning.

• Problems Faced by Transgender Individuals:

• Discrimination:

Transgender individuals often face discrimination in various aspects of life, including

employment, healthcare, education, and housing.

• Violence:
Many transgender people, especially trans women of color, experience physical and emotional
violence, including hate crimes.

• Mental Health Issues:

Due to stigma and marginalization, transgender individuals are at a higher risk of mental health
struggles, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

• Healthcare Access:

Transgender people may face barriers to healthcare, such as lack of understanding from
medical professionals, limited access to gender-affirming care, and financial difficulties.

• Legal Challenges:

Legal recognition of their gender identity (in documents like IDs and passports) is often
difficult, leading to bureaucratic hurdles and further discrimination.

• Efforts Made at the International Level (UN, Status):

• United Nations:

The UN has recognized the human rights of transgender individuals, particularly through the
UN Free & Equal Campaign, which promotes the equal rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people
worldwide. In 2011, the UN Human Rights Council passed a landmark resolution calling for
an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

• International Human Rights Law:

The UN has called for the protection of transgender people from violence and discrimination
and for legal recognition of their gender identity. This is in line with the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights.

• World Health Organization (WHO):

The WHO declassified “gender identity disorder” as a mental illness in 2018, shifting the
classification to “gender incongruence,” thus removing the stigma that often prevented
transgender people from seeking necessary healthcare.

• Efforts Made at the National Level:

Pakistan has taken several steps at the national level to address the rights and welfare of
transgender individuals. Here’s an overview of the key efforts:
 1. Legal Protections:

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018

Landmark legislation that gives transgender people the right to:

1. Self-identify their gender.

2. Be issued identity documents (CNIC, passport) that match their gender identity.
3. Protection against discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, and public
spaces.
4. Inheritance rights, which was a major step forward.

2. CNIC Issuance by NADRA

• National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) began issuing gender-

inclusive CNICs to transgender individuals, allowing them to register officially and
access social benefits.

3. Employment and Economic Empowerment Initiatives

• Some government bodies and private companies have introduced quotas or inclusive
hiring policies for transgender people.
• The Punjab Social Protection Authority launched programs to provide monthly
stipends and vocational training for transgender persons.
• SMEDA (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority) offers
entrepreneurship support to marginalized groups, including transgender individuals.

4. Health and Social Welfare

• Dedicated transgender clinics have been launched in cities like Islamabad and Lahore
offering specialized healthcare.
• The Ehsaas program and BISP (Benazir Income Support Programme) have explored
ways to extend financial support to transgender citizens.

5. Education and Awareness

• Awareness campaigns have been conducted to challenge stigma and promote

inclusion.
• A few educational institutions have enrolled transgender students and committed to
inclusive policies.

• Social Services for Transgender Individuals in pakistan:

In Pakistan, several organizations and government initiatives are dedicated to supporting and
empowering the transgender community through various social services. Here’s an overview
of some key programs and their contributions:
1. Masawaat Program by Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA):

Launched under the Transgender Person’s Welfare Policy, the Masawaat Program aims to
mainstream transgender individuals by providing:

Unconditional Cash Transfers: Monthly stipends of Rs. 3,000 for elderly and Rs. 2,000 for
differently-abled transgender persons.

Interest-Free Loans: Up to Rs. 100,000 to support small business ventures.

Healthcare Services: Free medical camps offering screenings, treatments, and medications.

Job Opportunities: Collaborations with private sectors to create employment avenues.

2. Transgender Empowerment Organization:

Based in Lahore, this organization focuses on:

Vocational Training: Offering sewing classes, computer training, and Quran classes.

Educational Support: Providing secular and religious education to enhance literacy.

Community Outreach: Organizing food donations, clothing drives, and medical assistance.

3. Khawaja Sira Society:

Dedicated to advocating for the rights of transgender women/Hijra, their services include:

• Health Services: HIV testing, STI diagnosis, and treatment.

• Counseling: Providing psychosocial support tailored to transgender individuals.
• Advocacy and Research: Working on legal reforms and conducting studies to address
discrimination.

STEP Skills Development Foundation:

In Lahore, the STEP Foundation empowers marginalized communities, including transgender

individuals, by providing:

Vocational Training: Courses in beautician services, digital marketing, cooking,

dressmaking, and information technology.

• Benazir Income Support Program (BISP):

The BISP includes transgender individuals by:

Financial Assistance: Providing Rs. 7,000 per quarter to registered transgender persons.

Registration Process: Transgender individuals can update their gender information with
NADRA and register at BISP offices to receive benefits.
 ❖ Conclusion:
In conclusion, the transgender community faces a range of challenges, including
discrimination, violence, mental health struggles, limited access to healthcare, and legal
hurdles. Despite these obstacles, efforts on both international and national levels are steadily
progressing. International organizations like the United Nations and the World Health
Organization have advocated for human rights protections, healthcare access, and the de-
stigmatization of gender diversity. Nationally, many countries have enacted legal protections
and social services to ensure transgender people are treated with dignity and respect.