From beauty salons to digital platforms, transgender individuals are stepping into new careers with tools that turn skills into livelihoods. In a country where nearly 95% of transgender individuals remain excluded from formal employment opportunities, the Government of Punjab’s vision under the Chief Minister’s Skilled Punjab Program is to create an inclusive Punjab – one that ensures access to skills, opportunities, and income generation for all, regardless of gender. 

In line with this vision, more than 200 transgender individuals have received toolkits under PSDF | Pehchan program to begin their professional journeys in high-demand trades including Beauty & Grooming, Culinary Arts, Performing Arts, Information Technology, Handicrafts, and Digital Freelancing.

The toolkit distribution ceremony marked a milestone in empowering the transgender community with the resources to translate their training into sustainable and dignified livelihoods. Each toolkit was tailored to the respective trade, enabling participants to start freelancing, launch small businesses, or secure employment opportunities immediately.

Speaking at the event, Ahmed Khan, CEO PSDF said:

“This initiative goes beyond training. By equipping our transgender trainees with toolkits, we are providing them with the means to transform their skills into dignified sources of income. This is not just about economic empowerment but about creating inclusion and opportunity for every segment of society.”

Adnan Afzal Chattha, Chairperson of the CM Task Force on Skills Development, added “The Government of Punjab is committed to building an inclusive and skilled workforce. Programs like Pehchan reflect the Chief Minister’s vision of empowering every individual, regardless of gender, to earn a dignified living. The success of these trainees is a success for all of Punjab.”

PSDF | Pehchan program is the first of its kind in the province aimed specifically at skilling and uplifting the transgender community. Through partnerships with 18+ leading training service providers, including STEP, Hunerkada, Skill Up and Khawaja Sira Society, the program provides market-relevant skills, mentorship, and post-training support to ensure long-term impact.

The distribution of toolkits is expected to accelerate the program’s outcomes, enabling graduates to contribute productively to the economy while pursuing dignified and independent livelihoods.