Following up to this ‘International Day of Girl’, which is celebrated every year on the 11th October, we decided to feature some of Pakistan’s bravest women activists who are working to empower not only women in their country but also influence young women and girls through their incredible work in Pakistan, we went ahead to ask them what would they like to say to girls out there.
‘International Day of Girl’ is a day to recognize how hard it is to be a girl especially in a world where every 10 seconds an adolescent girl dies due to an act of violence, in Pakistan alone data on gender-based violence is often non-existent and policymakers are not able to properly formalize strategies that seem to combat such violence against women and minor girls.
In honor of this day, we decided to showcase the struggles of some of Pakistan’s leading activists who are working for young women and girls particularly those most at risk, these amazing women heroes through their inspirational work are not only able to send a message of change but also be the driving force for change across the country.
Jannat Ali: Lahore’s Trans Diva
Jannat Ali is a well-known Lahore based transgender activist, performing artist and NGO professional working at Khawaja Sira Society which is a community-based organisation led by the transgender community. The healthcare, human rights and advocacy in Pakistan.
The main purpose of KSS is to promote healthcare, human rights and advocacy for the transgender community in Pakistan. Jannat besides being a working professional is also an MBA Degree holder with a gold medal distinction, Jannat is also a successful Kathak dancer and theatre performer for which she has been able to showcase her work not only in Pakistan but across the western world notably Denmark and the United States, in 2016.
Having represented Pakistan’s transgender community in over seven countries for her performing arts and transgender activism, Jannat’s was also selected to work with 400 students to educate them on topics related to gender, society and performance art in Denmark.
What inspired you to work on the issues you do?
When I came to realize the issues transwomen face in Pakistan, I had no other choice but to work for my community. I was inspired to do more as an educated transwoman, so that I can mentor and enhance the skills of my fellow community and through my work, I have been able to sensitize the public at large.
When it comes to the issues I think girls and women need to change themselves, they also need to be more optimistic when it comes to their gender and sexuality. I feel women activists must include trans women and trans girls in the feminist struggle because we can help each other out because our society simply can’t deny our existence.
How are you able to influence change through your work, what challenges have you had to overcome to be who you are?
As an educated trans woman, I was fortunate enough to initiate a community-based program which focused on enhancing basic education skills of up to 30 transwomen in Lahore. After that, I was able to join a non-profit organization called Khawaja Serai Society (KSS) through which I was able to sensitize more people about the issues transgender community faces and as a performing artist through my kathak and theater performance I am able to highlight gender-based violence through art.
What is your message to young girls out there?
My message is that all girls must be free to realize their dreams; they must work and continue with what they really want to do in life and never ever think any less of themselves.