IT takes much self-assurance and determination to forge ahead when the world is resistant to or fearful of understanding diversity in individuals. On March 23, Marvi Malik, Pakistan’s first transgender news anchor went on air after she bagged a coveted slot as newsreader with Kohinoor News, a Lahore-based broadcaster. Twenty-one-year-old Ms Malik’s back story resonates with the confidence required to contend with bigotry and discrimination. In fact, her resilience, lauded in the media this week, reminds one of the transgender character coping with societal prejudice in this year’s Oscar-winning film A Fantastic Woman. Qualified as a Punjab University graduate, Ms Marvi has financially provided for herself since the age of 15. Though estranged from her family, her achievement is inspirational not only for her community but also wider society. Meanwhile, also deserving of praise is the news director who saw potential in her audition and hired her. Others employers should adopt this thinking that workforce inclusivity is about providing equal opportunity and building a multitalented team.
Recorded for the first time in the recent census, the country’s transgender population is close to 10,000 in a population of 200m. Even if this isn’t the real figure for various reasons, the majority of this community has been reduced to begging on the streets, dancing or becoming sex workers to make ends meet — a damning indictment of our leadership that has failed to see transgender rights as human rights. However, this month’s Senate bill to protect transgender rights is a significant development. If passed, it would enable individuals to change their gender on national identity cards, inherit property and not be discriminated against as political candidates. Further, reports of transgender people receiving driving licences and identity cards are the results of campaigns. That said, this community has received minimum attention from political parties though it constitutes a potential vote bank. Removing this community from the fringes requires increased rights advocacy by groups willing to take on their concerns.
| Restoring vision |
| Memogate regret |
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