Safeguarding the Rights of Transgenders and Intersex Community – Conference in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The speakers from different segments of society emphasized the government to make the rights of transgenders and intersex community sure. They said that the community people are equal members of the society as other citizens are. They have equal rights to education and employment.

The speakers stated this in a Conference organized by FACES Pakistan in collaboration with U N D E F and Sathi Foundation in Islamabad. The theme of the conference was ” Safeguarding the Rights of Transgenders and Intersex Community.”

The speakers included Asia Nasir, former MNA, Australian diplomat, Maria Kokb, GM Faces Pakistan, Laila Naz ED Saathi Foundation, Hamza Mehmood, Ahmar Majeed Advocate, Javed William President FACES Pakistan.

The speakers shed light on transgender perspective on safeguarding and services of Tahafuz Centers, Incident Reporting Mobile Application designed and launched by FACES, a GAP Analysis of Pakistan Transgender (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018 and Proposed Draft Provincial Transgender Bill 2022.

A pictorial presentation of the project was also part of the conference. The participants took keen interest in the project and presentation. At the end of the conference , an interactive discussion between the participants and the organizers was held. The guests from different walks of life shared their views and suggestions.

Editor Pakistan in the World magazine and web news portal, Mr. Tazeen Akhtar shared that a special quota for transgenders in government jobs should be sought to secure their future. He said that it will encourage the transgenders to get education or skills to seek their livelihood other than the traditional ways that are mostly adopted by the community.

He also advised that PEMRA and Ministry of Culture should be asked to forbade the drama and film industry from portraying the transgenders just as laughing stock.The participants hailed the suggestion and assured to take it up before PEMRA as soon as possible.