Empowerment Through Acceptance
Our Story
The Transgender Empowerment Organization is aimed towards eradicating negative narratives against the transgender community in Pakistan in order to create a society which is inclusive for all. Based in Lahore Pakistan, we provide a safe haven for our transgender clients against the harsh criticism of the Pakistani society. Our two core words which are significant for our work are empowerment and acceptance for the Pakistani transgender community.
Causes Dear to our Heart
Sewing classes
Secular and religious education classes
Food donations
Winter and Summer clothing drive
Prescriptions for medical needs provided
Iftaar food distribution
At Risk Population
According to the Human Rights Watch, transgender women are at risk in Pakistan due to the violence they experience. The local Trans Action group reported that 479 attacks took place against transgender women in Khyber-Pakhunkhwa province in 2018.
Source: (World Report, 2018)
Family Disownment, Educational Attainment and Professions Pursued
The majority of the transgender children are disowned and kicked out of their houses at a young age by their families. As a result, trans individuals live together in communities. 42% of the members of this community are illiterate due to lack of access to education. Moreover, to support themselves, the transgender population engages in three jobs prominently to earn money: 51% of the income is generated through dancing at celebratory events, 15% from sex work, and 12% of the income comes from begging.
(Source: USAID, 2016)
Face of the founder of the Transgender Empowerment Organization: Anusha Tahir Butt
A room set in Anusha Butt's home in order to give her transgender clients sewing lessons and a place to call their own
Sewing Classes Work Space
In the above right, Anusha can be seen working with her transgender clients. We believe in working together with the people is always the best in achieving a warm and friendly environment for all.
Appearance on Naya Din Morning Show
Anusha with Shama Jan on a talk show. We are proactive in tackling negative narratives associated with transgender community in Pakistan.
Quran Classes
Transgender clients are seen learning in an Islamic Quran class, a fundamental part of our organization.
Iftaar Distribution by the Transgender Empower Organization
Iftaar is a time in Ramzan when Muslims break their fast by consuming food. This time is usually during dinner time at sunset. A Muslim consumes food before sunrise at suhoor and does not eat the entire day until iftaar. This demonstrates that transgender community is just like any other Muslim community of the world, fulfilling their religious duties in order to become a better human being.
Conversations with a Trans Woman
In this video, Shama Jaan recalls running away from her home at the age of 10 and finding comfort in the company of a Guru, an older transgender of the community who provides safe haven for the younger transgenders and provide them with skillsets in order to survive in the society. Now 28, Shama hopes to run her own business by sewing clothes for the people and becoming self-sufficient member of the society.
Provided with a Rickshaw
Transgender Sana was given a rickshaw as a means of generating an income by the Transgender Empowerment Organization. This was her dream come to life.
Change the Clap
Pakistani society needs to change the negative narratives associated with transgender women. Instead, opening the mindset, researching, asking important questions and tackling ignorance are all tactics significant for raising awareness as well as providing empowerment to transgender women. Therefore, we as country need to do better and more by changing the clap. #changetheclap
Eid-Ul-Adha: Share the Love
This Eid, share the Qurbani meat with the needy orphans, widows, and the transgender population in your local community. Share the blessings of this holy festivity with those who are in need the most in your neighborhood.
Pakistani Independence Day
Anusha with the transgender community celebrating 14th August independence day and demonstrating their patriotism for a country which was built upon the notion of equality for all.
Water Cooler Donation by the Transgender Empowerment Organization
A water cooler was donated to a masjid by the organization as pictured on the upper left.
Computer Training Classes for transgenders
Pictured above: Transgender women attending a computer literacy class for a better prospect out in the Pakistani society.
Sign sighted on a bus
In BRT Peshawar, priority seats are reserved on a public transportation bus for transgender passengers.
Follow us on instagram to stay in touch with our work and show us support
+(92)-323-789-3548
or
+(1)-607-232-9736
Get in touch with us at transgenderempowermentpakistan@gmail.com
Donations
Please help us maintain our work by donating to the Transgender Empowerment Organization today. Every little gift aids in our mission. We are also accepting international donations in the form of Western Union, Moneygram, Remitly, and bank transfer. The account handle and banking information is provided below:
Allied Bank
Account title: Anusha Tahir Butt
Account number: 09880010060367110012
Branch code: 0140988
IBAN: PK95ABPA0010060367110012