Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
Posted on: January 08, 2020 | 
Khwajasira Vocational Training at NJV School, Karachi
The Transgender community of Pakistan, also known as Khawajasira, are a marginalized group because of the ambiguity of their gender. The term ‘Khwajasira’ dates back to Mughal-era courtesans who had important roles in the women’s chambers. Nowadays, those who do not conform to traditional ideas of gender and sex in Pakistan, collectively identify as transgender or ‘Khwajasira’. They actively promote the use of this term, as opposed to more derogatory terms like, ‘hijra’ or ‘khusra’.
In a society already bound by conservative and often patriarchal norms, the transgender community is excluded from jobs, opportunities to develop, and a sense of belonging in society. According to cultural anthropologist Faris Khan, instead of becoming passive victims to a harsh society, the Khwajasira community have reacted by becoming self-sufficient, and rejecting the possibility of help. They are a deeply knit, supportive community but fights amongst them are commonplace, due to the fierce competition for scarce resources.
Pakistani society has a long way to go in terms of understanding their plight and allowing them to fully integrate into society. But projects such as Akhuwat’s Khwajasira Support Program (KSP), seek to gradually help Khwajasiras by giving them opportunities to be self-sufficient, and allowing them identity, dignity and self-esteem on their own terms.
Khwajasira's attending a talk organized by Akhuwat
Akhuwat was formed in 2001 as a micro-finance organization which aims to alleviate poverty through interest-free loans, working on principles of compassion and equity. According to representative Fizzah Zaheer, KSP started in 2011 as a way to integrate the transgender community into society, not just economically, but also socially. From a mere 8 Khwajasiras, their network has now grown 1500 strong, spanning across cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad etc.
Younger members of the community are often able to find jobs in the entertainment industry. But KSP specifically caters to Khwajasiras who are in the age bracket of 35-40 years, no longer bound to their gurus, and no longer included in the entertainment industry due to their old age. A major part of the program is the distribution of healthcare cards that would allow them access and finances to seek medical attention, in case of emergencies.
Akhuwat collaborates with other organizations to offer vocational training in stitching, embroidery, hair and makeup. Khwajasira are also employed in Akhuwat’s Clothing Drive, and they help wash, iron and fold the clothes before distribution. Such training programs are particularly important for those who do not wish to engage or be associated with the dancing industry. One of the most important policies which they have is the group hiring policy. To prevent isolation and discrimination, Akhuwat advocates a group-hire for transgender people, not only to give them a sense of community at work, but also to train younger transgender people.
Some of Akhuwat's Khwajasira Beneficiaries
The KSP program works through a network system alongside the community’s close links. Fizzah explained that initially Akhuwat approached gurus for insight into vulnerable members of the community. But now, each city has a particular set of community leaders, who are in charge of bringing or referring new members who need help. While many have positively reacted to KSP, their biggest challenge is to convert those who refuse the support program, or altogether reject Akhuwat’s help. For Fizzah, the goal is to get the message across to as many members of the community so that they may avail Akhuwat’s services in the later stages of their life, or in case of emergencies.
Akhuwat also gathers anthropological information on various transgender communities all over Pakistan, to understand their communal workings, and the different levels at which they are excluded in society. They also keep records and testimonies from disabled Khwajasiras, who face unique issues on the basis of their disabilities. Such information is very important for others who want to engage with the community without associating them with stereotypes of loud, scary or those who poses powers of witchcraft.
Tree Plantation by Akhuwat
Every member of Akhuwat’s KSP has a distinct story, often mixed with perseverance and sadness. One beneficiary was Shama, a transgender woman trapped in debt after taking a loan for sister’s wedding. She reached out to Akhuwat to pay off her first debt, and continues to be a part of the program. Another is Shaukat/Jameela, another Khwajasira with a cancer diagnosis, who has been a part of the program for five years, but regards herself/himself as a burden to his/her family. Fizzah also warmly mentions Phool Bhai and Khushboo, who work in the kitchen at Akhuwat’s office in Lahore, and always brighten her day by talking to her, and allowing her insights into their world.
Shama at an Event
Along with providing loans and employment, KSP is deeply devoted to building bonds between Kwajasiras and other members of society. They host weekly meetings at Founain House Lahore, wherein people can have discussions with the transgender community on different issues and topics. These meetings have two-way benefits: they allow people to listen to the perspectives of the community, and they allow khwajasiras to socialize with other people, and learn to communicate better with those who do not belong to their community
When asked how the wider public could help the transgender community, Zaheer believed that change can come from an individual and collective level. Individually, one could come to the meetings to interact with members of the transgender community, or read about their stories and their efforts to build better lives for themselves. But, as a society, it is of the utmost importance to raise awareness, and especially to teach younger children about the existence of the transgender community.
These small-scale initiatives are deeply important in shifting stereotypes, and bringing about an acceptance of the transgender community in Pakistan. But more importantly, Khwajasiras must be allowed opportunities for personal development, a possibility of a life on their terms, and the chance to contribute to society as active members.
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