In a groundbreaking move, Sindh’s Minister for Education, Sardar Ali Shah, chaired a meeting on Wednesday to approve Pakistan’s first-ever Transgender Education Policy draft. The initiative introduces a separate gender category for transgender children in school and college admission forms, alongside male and female options. It also mandates a job quota for transgender individuals in teacher recruitment.
The policy draft, which will now be presented to the Sindh cabinet for legal approval, marks a significant step toward addressing the educational and social challenges faced by the transgender community. High-ranking officials, including Sindh’s Secretary of School Education Zahid Ali Abbasi and Chief Executive Adviser Fozia Khan, participated in the meeting.
According to the 2023 national census, Pakistan is home to 20,331 transgender individuals, with 4,222 residing in Sindh. However, USAID research reveals alarming statistics: 42% of transgender individuals have minimal literacy, while 40% lack access to education altogether.
Minister Shah underscored the deep societal prejudice and exclusion faced by the transgender community, which often bars them from educational opportunities. He noted the absence of a tailored curriculum and stressed the need for systemic changes to foster inclusivity.
The policy aims to create a safe, supportive learning environment by:
– Establishing dedicated schools and training centers for transgender students.
– Promoting a harassment-free atmosphere in educational institutions.
– Setting up support groups in schools.
– Showcasing successful transgender individuals as role models.
The inclusion of a job quota for transgender teachers is expected to further empower the community, offering them a platform to contribute meaningfully to society.
Minister Shah highlighted education as a powerful tool for enabling transgender individuals to secure respectable employment. “This policy is not just about access but about creating opportunities for a dignified future,” he stated.
If approved by the cabinet, the policy could serve as a blueprint for other provinces, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to social justice and inclusivity.