Empowering Marginalized Communities: The Role of Vocational Education in Transforming Lives of Trans and Gender-Diverse Individuals in Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores the transformative role of vocational institutions in empowering trans and gender-diverse individuals in Pakistan, a community often marginalized and excluded from mainstream education. Focusing on alumni from Pakistan's pioneering transgender school, referred to as the "School of Hope for the Marginalized," the research investigates how vocational education impacts the vocational and personal development of its students. Through in-depth interviews, the study examines the lived experiences of trans and gender-diverse students, highlighting changes in their vocational skills, self-esteem, social integration, and overall quality of life. By evaluating the school’s influence, both positive and negative, the research aims to uncover its effectiveness in promoting socio-economic upliftment and personal growth. The findings contribute to the understanding of how inclusive vocational education can address systemic inequities and foster social inclusion for marginalized communities in Pakistan.