Punjab launches vocational training programme for transgender community

LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched a comprehensive technical skills training programme for the transgender community, marking a significant step towards their socio-economic empowerment. The marginalised community has to often struggle to find employment due to lack of access to opportunities.

In the first phase of the initiative, 1,600 transgender persons will receive training in various fields including IT, freelancing, healthcare assistance, tailoring, fashion design, electrical work, solar technology and beauty services. The provincial government aims to offer healthcare assistant skills training specifically for transgender individuals, which would be a novel move.

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Speaking at the launch ceremony, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz termed the discriminatory attitude towards transgender persons as “deplorable”, saying many are forced into begging due to lack of employment opportunities: “The cruel treatment meted out to transgender community is extremely saddening; when denied proper jobs, they have no choice but to beg on streets.”

She also urged the community members to “prove that talent has no gender” through this skills development initiative.

The programme aims to make transgender persons economically self-reliant by equipping them with marketable skills. Officials said the training curriculum has been designed keeping in view current market demands and potential income-generating opportunities.

The initiative comes amid persistent complaints from transgender community about discrimination in workplaces and difficulties in finding employment despite possessing relevant qualifications.