Transgender scholars and rights advocates shared their experiences of educational barriers, social exclusion and challenges in accessing equal opportunities at Government College University (GCU) Lahore's first academic conference on transgender inclusion.

The conference, titled “Gender Sensitization and Transgender Inclusion in Pakistan: Psychological Well-being, Education and Social Empowerment,” was organised by the Bano Qudsiya Society for Gender Sensitization in collaboration with the Department of Fine Arts, under the patronage of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Omer Chaudhry.

Punjab Assembly member Maria Talal, chairperson of the Standing Committee on Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education, attended as chief guest.

Addressing the conference, Ms Talal said the government was taking steps to improve access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities for transgender people. She highlighted the role of educational institutions in promoting awareness, understanding and social inclusion.

Among the speakers were Alisha Shirazi, a PhD scholar at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Fiazullah Faizi and Mahnoor Amjad, director of Khawaja Sira Society. They shared their experiences of educational and social challenges and discussed efforts to improve opportunities for the transgender community.

Dr Madiha Masood, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Central Punjab, discussed psychological well-being, while Muhammad Azeem Farooqi, Assistant Professor of Law at GCU, examined the legal and social aspects of transgender rights.

Dr Almas Khanum, founding advisor of the Bano Qudsiya Society, said the initiative aimed to provide an academic platform for meaningful dialogue and enable members of the transgender community to share their perspectives. She thanked Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Omer Chaudhry for encouraging the organisation of the university's first academic conference and poster exhibition on the subject.

The proceedings were moderated by Faizi, a transgender PhD scholar in GCU's Department of Urdu and vice president of the organising society.

Earlier, Ms Talal inaugurated a poster exhibition at Minhas Art Gallery, where students presented artwork highlighting gender awareness, education, rights and social inclusion.

Amna Anwaar Khan, in-charge of the Department of Fine Arts and advisor to the Fine Arts Society, briefed visitors on the exhibits.

Faculty members, students and civil society representatives attended the conference at Bukhari Auditorium, which concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields to the guests.