The inauguration of the country’s first Transgender Protection Centre in Islamabad is a big step forward by the government. The Human Rights Minister has stated that this is only the first of many, which is positive to hear.
The transgender community is and always has been a very fundamental part of Pakistani society. But in recent times, little in the way of protection has been offered by the state. This community is exposed to all the worst sort of violence. The lack of employment opportunities all but ensure that sexual violence, assault, blackmail and having to contend with the criminal world become a significant threat for all members of the community.
With families often ostracising transgender persons, this initiative is extremely helpful. The new protection centre will look to offer basic health facilities, legal aid, psychological counselling and temporary shelter. This will help transgender persons under threat look to the state for protection, as it should be. The state has a responsibility to protect all citizens equally, and an efficient mechanism can ensure that the government stands by the community.
It is hoped that the government fulfils its promise of this being only the first centre of many; transgender persons are present all over the country and as such, we need more than one functioning centre in every district for this strategy to be effective.
Moving forward, it is important for the government to also work on making society more inclusive, and this can only take place if the state prioritises on protecting vulnerable communities such as transgender persons and makes sure than no violence against them is tolerated. The centre is a good project, but its nature is still reactionary. Only victims will be able to approach the state for recourse under this model. After this the government must offer a more proactive means for the transgender community to thrive in Pakistan. This is only possible by safeguarding their physical and economic welfare and allowing for the community to step into the mainstream and vocalise its problems itself.
