A new service called SheDrives has recently launched in Lahore, Pakistan, offering a unique feature: it caters exclusively to transgender individuals and women. The app’s primary goal is to safeguard trans individuals from discrimination and harassment, according to Ammaz Farooqi, the CEO of the company.
Currently operating solely in Lahore, there are plans for future expansion into other cities. With approximately 30,000 transgender individuals in Lahore and around 500,000 across Pakistan, the need for safer transportation options is pressing in a society where transgender people frequently face marginalization and violence.
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The service also appeals to women who are concerned about harassment while using public transportation, particularly when forced to share space with male passengers. The vehicles, adorned with pink logos, will be easy to recognize for the intended users.
“SheDrives stands out as both its drivers and passengers are exclusively women or transgender individuals. While this is just a small step, we aim to expand to other cities,” said Ammaz. This initiative is part of Pakistan’s recent efforts to support its transgender community.
In 2022, the government introduced a hotline connecting transgender individuals to the police and the Ministry of Human Rights, and in 2021, Pakistan opened its first government-run school for transgender students in Multan.
Moreover, a transgender rights bill was drafted to legally allow transgender individuals to choose their gender identity on official documents, including educational certificates and national ID cards.
However, the bill has faced opposition, underscoring the ongoing challenges in achieving full social recognition for transgender people in Pakistan.
