The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has launched the ‘CM’s Skills Development Program’ to promote social change and inclusion for the transgender community. This initiative aims to empower transgender individuals by providing comprehensive skills development and income-generating opportunities, including toolkits and concessionary loans.
Despite an estimated transgender population of over 4 million in Pakistan, the community remains marginalized, with only 20,000 individuals registered, limiting their access to education, skills training, and employment.
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The CM of Punjab is determined to break these barriers by offering formal education and market-relevant training in fields like performing arts, beauty services, domestic tailoring, culinary arts, and IT. Over the next two years, the program plans to skill 2,200 transgender people and provide on-the-job training leading to sustainable employment.
To help mobilize participants, PSDF has partnered with the Khawaja Sira Society. Mahnoor Chaudary, the society’s director, highlighted their role in identifying potential trainees, facilitating CNIC creation, providing HIV testing, and raising awareness about the program’s benefits. They will also collaborate closely with PSDF to ensure ongoing support and integration into the workforce.
Financial support is a major component of the program, with trainees receiving access to concessionary loans and toolkits to improve their prospects of starting businesses or finding jobs. Additionally, assistance with NADRA registration will help ensure the transgender community’s social and financial inclusion.
PSDF CEO, Ahmed Khan, expressed excitement over the program’s potential to foster a more inclusive society, enabling transgender individuals to contribute meaningfully to the economic mainstream.
