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       KARACHI: The Sindh government has approved the draft of the country’s first-ever ‘Transgender Education Policy’ that proposes adding a separate category for transgender children in admission forms for schools and colleges, alongside male and female options.

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       The policy draft was approved in a meeting chaired by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.

       It said that the draft, which will soon be presented before the provincial cabinet for approval, also includes reserving job quotas for transgender persons in teacher recruitment.

       The policy would ensure education for transgender children and eliminate discrimination, it added.

       The meeting was informed that according to the 2023 census, there are 20,331 transgender individuals in Pakistan, with 4,222 residing in Sindh.

       The participants of the meeting were assured that input from transgender advocates was extensively utilised in drafting the policy.

       The education minister highlighted the numerous challenges transgender individuals face in accessing education, such as societal prejudice, mistreatment, and exclusion.

       He emphasised that financial constraints, combined with limited employment opportunities, make it difficult for transgender individuals to afford education, while fears of harassment in educational institutions often deter them from pursuing studies.

       He also noted the policy aims to provide a supportive environment for transgender students, including establishing special schools and non-formal education training centres.

       The policy focuses on safeguarding the identity, safety, and educational needs of transgender individuals.

       Teachers will receive training to understand the psychological and educational challenges faced by transgender children.

       Additionally, skill development programmes for transgender individuals are included to improve outcomes.

       The policy emphasises creating an anti-harassment environment for transgender students in educational institutions.

       Public awareness campaigns will be launched to promote equal opportunities and rights for transgender individuals after the policy’s approval.

       The minister added that following cabinet approval, awareness campaigns about transgender education will be launched through television, radio, social media and newspapers.

       Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024