Pakistan’s first-ever “Transgender Education Policy” draft was approved in a meeting led by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, ARY News reported.
The policy proposes adding a distinct “transgender” category in school and college admission forms alongside male and female options, according to an official statement. It also includes a job quota for transgender individuals in teaching roles. The draft will soon be submitted to the cabinet for legal approval.
The meeting cited the 2023 census data, which reports 20,331 transgender individuals in Pakistan, with 4,222 in Sindh. However, an NGO suggests the actual figure may be closer to 250,000. Additionally, USAID research shows that 42 percent of transgender individuals have limited literacy, while 40 percent lack access to education entirely.
Minister Shah highlighted the significant challenges transgender individuals face in education, pointing to societal prejudice, mistreatment, and exclusion. Financial difficulties and limited job opportunities make it challenging for them to afford education, and fears of harassment in educational institutions often discourage them from pursuing studies.
Shah also noted the absence of a curriculum tailored for transgender students. The new policy aims to provide a supportive learning environment, with special schools and non-formal education training centers. Skill development programs are also included to improve outcomes, alongside measures to establish anti-harassment protections for transgender students in educational institutions.
Public awareness campaigns will be launched to promote equal rights and opportunities, and support groups will be established in schools to help transgender students manage societal pressures. The policy also includes mentorship programs that showcase successful transgender individuals as role models to inspire others to pursue education. Minister Shah emphasized that enabling education for transgender individuals would open doors to respectable employment.
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