PJN Conducted Training Programme For Trans

News Desk

Islamabad: A three-day residential training programme on leadership and protection for transgender fellows was held to strengthen trans community leaders’ knowledge of flood disaster response, protection, governance mechanisms, the role of humanitarian organisations, and the inclusion of marginalised communities.

The training programme was organised by the Peace and Justice Network (PJN), in collaboration with the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), and Concern Worldwide. As many as 33 individuals come under the transgender fellowship programme of the project.

The training included 17 sessions, with a particular emphasis on understanding gender identity and gender non-conforming terminology, disaster relief and response fundamentals, the difficulties faced by transgender people in disaster situations, using social media for activism, and the significance of including transgender people in disaster relief and response.

The fellows also had exposure visits to the NCHR, where they were able to learn more about their mandate and authority, and then to the Islamabad Police Khidmat Markaz, F-6, which is home to the Transgender Protection Unit, a police unit solely dedicated to handling transgender crimes, headed by Nayyab Ali. Abia Akram, a well-known disability activist, led a session on viewing disaster relief through an intersectional lens, such as for disabled people, and assisted participants in becoming more aware.

NCHR Member Minorities Manzoor Masih reiterated the government’s commitment to providing equal rights to marginalized segments of society, especially the transgender community.

“The marginalisation and exclusion of transgender individuals in Pakistan grew worse during natural catastrophes. The absence of knowledge significantly contributes to this, and NCHR and PJN are committed to closing this gap,” said Manzoor.

The lack of consideration given to the transgender community in humanitarian response was acknowledged at the conclusion of the first training day as highlighting the necessity for specific policies and operational guidelines that ensure fair access to assistance, aid, and protection for trans people.

Furthermore, the conference stressed the need of legislative reforms and collaborations between public and private entities to preserve and defend the transgender community during floods and catastrophes.

“This has been an opportunity to engage with the transgender community from all over Pakistan that belongs to the worst-hit regions due to the super floods and to address the challenges faced by transgender people during natural disasters,” stated National Technical Programme Specialist Nayyab Ali.

The event was conducted as part of the project Bridging the Barriers: Inclusion of the Transgender Community in Flood Relief and Response. Expert trainers led the training to help participants develop and improve their skill sets while also outlining the activities and coordination that these fellows are expected to do in their respective districts.