ILGA ASIA

Pakistan: Punjab provincial government launches a comprehensive skill training programme for transgender individuals

On 11 April 2025, the Punjab Government’s Chief Minister launched a comprehensive skills training programme for transgender individuals, also known as the Pehchan Programme, to provide them with various technical and vocational skills as a means of economic independence. This new initiative from the Punjab government is a heartening effort from the provincial government to improve the livelihood of transgender individuals, as they are still being discriminated against legally and socially in Pakistan, especially following the revocation of some protections from the Transgender Persons Act 2018 in 2023. The programme aims to equip 2200 transgender persons over the next two years with specialised training through the Punjab Skills Development Fund programme in skills related to IT, freelancing, healthcare assistant skills, tailoring, fashion designing, electrical work, solar technology, beauty services and culinary arts.

“Transgender individuals in Pakistan face significant barriers to employment and economic stability. Programs like the Punjab government’s skill training initiative are crucial in addressing these challenges and promoting inclusivity. By providing vocational training and skills development opportunities, we can empower transgender individuals to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to their communities.” – Mahnoor AKA moon, South Asia Representative, ILGA Asia Executive Board & Program Director at the Khawaja Sira Society.

The skill training programme aims to address the “social boycott and lack of employment opportunities” which forces them into the streets to beg and be involved in sex work, which is still criminalised in Pakistan. Khawaja Sira, the traditional transgender community in Pakistan, have reported different forms of violence in the society persisting against their very visible members and disenfranchisement from social and cultural life. On 9 April 2025, a few days before the announcement of the Pehchan Programme, the Punjab government imposed a complete ban on Khawaja Sira performing in stage dramas, particularly restricting their dance performances on songs, which was a major source of income for the community. While the programme aims to create new opportunities for the transgender communities in Punjab, we need to remain cognizant that there is a need for policies that also translate to meaningful protection in broader anti-discrimination contexts.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018 in Pakistan was one of the most progressive legislations ensuring transgender rights and had enshrined much needed protections such as the definition of a transgender person and access to legal gender recognition based on self-determination, the rights to education and employment, and the prohibition of discrimination. However, on 18 May 2023, the Federal Shariat Court in Islamabad delivered a verdict striking down sections 2(f), 3 and 7 of the Transgender Act 2018 related to self-determination of gender and right to inheritance of trans individuals, claiming them to be against Islamic teachings. 

ILGA Asia welcomes this initiative from the Punjab Government to foster inclusivity and provide transgender people with vocational training and job-oriented skills to independently integrate into society. We must also remain cognizant of the different legal and social barriers that have led to the disenfranchisement of trans individuals and communities in the country, and hope these initiatives are translated into broader policy changes and strengthening of the Transgender Persons Act 2018. Realisation of social, economic, and cultural rights are integral to a dignified life, and we hope this and similar programmes are adopted to empower transgender people not only in Punjab but across the country.

“For far too long, systemic exclusion has been the biggest barrier standing between the transgender community and economic empowerment in Pakistan. Access to opportunities is a vital first step in dismantling systemic exclusion and opening pathways toward a dignified, self-reliant future. Such initiatives focusing on non-formal education, skills development, and economic empowerment mark a critical move toward empowering marginalized communities to reclaim agency over their lives and showcase to the world that, when given equal opportunities, their creativity, resilience, and hard work can rise above stigma and prejudice, turning decades of exclusion into stories of leadership and unapologetic victory.” – Aabyaz Mustafa, Youth Representative, ILGA Asia Executive Board & CEO at Gender Rights Watch.

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Aabyaz Mustafa

(he/they)
Youth REPRESENTATIVE

Aabyaz Mustafa (he/they) is a finance professional, human rights defender, and fashion model from Pakistan. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of Gender Rights Watch (GRW), a nonprofit providing mental health and suicide prevention support to marginalized communities in the Global South. With over a decade in minority rights advocacy, Aabyaz has worked with Rainbow Railroad during the Afghan-Taliban crisis and was instrumental in advancing Pakistan’s Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018.

Driven by a belief in collective action, Aabyaz mobilizes communities and allies for a more inclusive world. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, nature, and fitness as part of a holistic approach to well-being.

Mahnoor Aka Moon​

(she/her/hers)
SOUTH ASIA REPRESENTATIVE

Mahnoor Ch, also known as Moon, is a prominent advocate for gender rights, HIV awareness, and social justice in Pakistan. As a development practitioner, social scientist, and gender rights expert, she brings extensive experience and a multidisciplinary approach to her work. In her role as Program Director at the Khawaja Sira Society, she has led impactful initiatives, including the Multi-Country South Asia Global Fund Project. Her contributions have earned her several accolades, such as the Community Hero Award and formal recognition from both the Governor of Punjab and the President of the United States.

Beyond her leadership in community-based projects, Mahnoor has served as a trainer and technical expert, providing guidance on national policy development for the National AIDS Control Program and conducting training sessions for law enforcement in Lahore and Rawalpindi. She also plays a key role on the steering committee of the Global Fund Advocates Network for the Asia-Pacific region, helping shape global strategies for health and rights advocacy. Currently, Mahnoor is a member of the Prime Minister’s Counsel in Pakistan, advising on high-level policy decisions. She also works as a community-based implementing partner with UNDP, ensuring HIV prevention and treatment services are accessible to marginalized populations. Her unwavering dedication to equality and justice continues to inspire meaningful change across Pakistan and beyond.

Shane Bhatla

(he/they)
Disability Representative

Shane (he/they) is a non-binary disabled activist and Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) consultant. They also serve on the advisory panel of Access For Everyone and are on the Global Advisory Board of a MHPSS and QMU project. Shane’s advocacy focuses on trans and disability issues, working to destigmatize conversations about mental well-being in these communities. Their journey reflects resilience and a commitment to breaking down societal barriers, with eight years of experience in the non-profit sector.

Shane’s notable projects include making regional LGBTIQ+ conferences more accessible, hosting a roundtable on the intersectionality of LGBTIQ+ and disability, creating a media publication featuring photos of LGBTIQ+ disabled individuals and a project to enhance the competency of suicide hotline crisis workers on LGBTIQ+ and disability issues.

With over a decade of work experience, Shane has been featured in the media, on blogs, podcasts and video interviews. Additionally, he has authored an e-book named A11y: A guide to accessibility for employers. Their expertise stems not just from their work experience, but also lived experience. In 2024, they were involved in developing the Kathmandu Charter for the rights of people with lived experience of mental health conditions, a never done before initiative.

Learn more on: shanebhatla.org

Tashi Tsheten​

(he/they)
SOUTH ASIA and ILGA World REPRESENTATIVE​

Tashi is an LGBTQIA+ advocate from Bhutan and a Co-Founder of Queer Voices of Bhutan (QVoB), a community-based platform supporting the rights and inclusion of the gender and sexually diverse community in Bhutan. With a focus on addressing social stigma and advocating for legal and economic opportunities, Tashi and their team continue to contribute to advancing LGBTQIA+ rights nationally and regionally. Currently serving as a Program Advisor at QVoB, Tashi is also engaged in regional efforts through Youth Voices Count (YVC) and ILGA ASIA. Passionate about social justice, community building, and policy advocacy, Tashi remains committed to fostering greater understanding and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Aisha Mughal

(she/her)
TRANS REPRESENTATIVE and ILGA Asia Co-Chair

Aisha Mughal is a transgender rights expert working with the Ministry of Human Rights in Pakistan and as a UNDP Consultant. Since 2015, she has been actively advocating for transgender rights. In 2020, she made history as the first transgender person to represent any country during an official UN treaty review, participating in Pakistan’s national delegation to the UN CEDAW committee in Geneva. Aisha has contributed to peer-reviewed research on transgender issues and played a key role in the drafting and approval of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018. She has also served with the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in Pakistan.

Joyce Teng

(she/her)
EAST ASIA REPRESENTATIVE

Joyce Teng is the Executive Director of Taiwan Equality Campaign (previously known as “Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan”.) Before Taiwan Equality Campaign, she participated in some activist groups focusing on different issues like environment protection, women rights and transformational justice since 2010, and served as the Legislative assistant for the parliament of Taiwan between 2013 to 2015, and then dedicated herself to same-sex marriage legalization since 2016.

Joyce holds M.L. of National Taiwan University. With experience in the Parliament and her legal background, Joyce was responsible for the advocacy of LGBTI+ rights policies and legal reform. She advocated for inclusive political participation and representation since 2018, and acted as the Deputy Executive Director of Taiwan Equality Campaign. She then took the position as Executive Director in December 2022, leading Taiwan Equality Campaign on LGBTI+ rights advocacy.

Nyein Pyae Sone

(she/her)
Finance officer

Nyein Pyae Sone is the Finance Officer at ILGA Asia. She has been working in the international non-profit management sector since completing her first Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 2010. With over 12 years of extensive experience, she specializes in budget management, month-end and year-end closing, partnership support for local partner organizations, grant and financial management, cash flow forecasting, and financial reporting.

Throughout her career, she has contributed to various projects within international NGOs and UN agencies in both Thailand and Myanmar. Nyein holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in Business Administration and Management from UCSI University, Malaysia. Her solid background in finance and deep understanding of project operations make her a valuable asset to the organizations she works with.

Yarinda Srisutat

(she/her)
Senior Events and Admin officer

Yarinda Srisutat or you can call my nickname Kim (She/Her), Based in Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Thailand, Yarinda is an experienced nonprofit professional with a strong background in administration, finance, and event management. She currently serves as the Senior Admin and Events Officer at ILGA Asia, where she plays a key role in ensuring seamless operations, coordinating impactful events, and strengthening regional collaboration within the LGBTQ+ movement.

Yarinda has been deeply involved with ILGA Asia over the years. From 2019 to September 2023, she worked as a Senior Finance and Admin Officer, contributing to the organization’s operational growth. After a brief tenure at APCOM Foundation from October 2023 to August 2024, she rejoined ILGA Asia in a new capacity as Senior Admin and Events Officer, bringing her expertise in logistics, planning, and community engagement.

Her journey in the nonprofit sector began in 2016 when she volunteered and worked as a field staff member at the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT), engaging in grassroots LGBTIQ+ advocacy. In 2017, she became a Program Assistant at the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, where she supported clinical trials focusing on transgender women as a key population.
Beyond her professional work, Yarinda studies Mahayana Buddhism and finds joy in spending time with her pet cockatiel birds.

Shambawi Paudel

(she/they)
Research Associate

Shambhawi Paudel is a feminist advocate with a research interest in critiquing intersectional application of human rights standards. She completed her LLM in Human Rights Law specializing in International Justice.She is involved in policy research and has written and published on a range of issues, including gender, queer rights, education policy, and digital rights and privacy concerns. She believes it is important to have long conversations about navigating oppressive social power relations rooted in care and community. She enjoys reading and crocheting in her free time

Omair Paul

(he/him)
Research and global advocacy program manager

Omair Paul is the Program Manager at ILGA Asia. He joins the team with almost a decade of UN advocacy experience, previously serving as the UN Representative for Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) since 2014. He led the organisation’s UN advocacy strategy and campaigns, represented MPV in various high-level UN meetings & processes, and forged working relationships with diplomats, UN agencies, and civil society organisations (CSOs) and networks.

He focuses on countering fundamentalist religious ideologies and protecting the rights to free expression, freedom of religion and belief, and the economic and social rights of women, girls, and ethnic, religious, and SOGIESC minorities in Muslim societies.

Subscribe to our newsletter to recieve breaking LGBTIQ news from across Asia, opportunities and resources, and updates from ILGA Asia.

Khine Su Win

(she/her)
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Khine Su Win is a health professional, medical doctor, researcher, trainer and human rights advocate with a profound focus on Global Health. Her career is anchored in the cause of capacity building among marginalized communities in various regions of Asia including South East Asia, South Asia and East Asia.

With a passion for social justice, she works to enable and uplift marginalized groups, including People Living with HIV (PLHIV), Women Living with HIV (WLHIV), members of the LGBTIQ community, sex workers, People Who Use Drugs (PWUD), and opium farmers. By promoting their rights and advocating for their well-being, she strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where every individual’s voice is heard and respected.

Jeff Cagandahan

(he/him)
INTERSEX REPRESENTATIVE

Jeff Cagandahan is a pioneering Filipino intersex man and human rights activist known for his landmark legal victory in 2008, when the Supreme Court of the Philippines recognized his right to change his name and gender marker, making him the first intersex person in the country to gain legal gender recognition. Born in 1981 and assigned female at birth, Jeff was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a condition that led to the development of male physical traits during adolescence. His case emphasized the right to self-determination and became a cornerstone for intersex rights in the Philippines. He is the Co-founder of Intersex Philippines and a Board Member of Intersex Asia, playing key roles in advancing intersex human rights across the region. Jeff has been outspoken about the need for awareness, healthcare access, and societal inclusion for intersex people.

Phong Vuong

(he/him)
SOUTHEAST ASIA REPRESENTATIVE and ILGA Asia Co-Chair

Phong Vuong (he/him) is currently working as the LGBTI Rights Program Manager at the Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment (iSEE). As one of the leading LGBTI organizations in Vietnam since 2007, iSEE has conducted original research on contemporary Vietnamese LGBTI issues, supported LGBTI civil society organizations, facilitated the LGBTI movement and implemented successful social and policy advocacy campaign.

Along with his colleagues, Phong works closely with organizations on the ground, policymakers and the public to build resilient and capable communities, create knowledge and connect stakeholders to advance LGBTI rights in Vietnam through advocacy and social campaign. Some notable achievements include the legalization of legal gender recognition for transgender people (through Article 36 of the Civil Code 2015), the subsequent drafting of the Law on Gender Affirmation (with the Ministry of Health), the I Do campaign towards Marriage Equality and the Leave with Pride campaign that pushed a MOH’s Directive condemning conversion therapy in Vietnam. Phong also led iSEE’s work with regional and international human right mechanisms, and represent iSEE in various organizations and working group, such as ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, or C4TRANS (Coalition for Transgender Rights in Vietnam).

Aside from the work with iSEE, Phong also served as Secretary of The Organizing Board of Hanoi Pride, as Secretary for NextGEN Hanoi – a local LGBTIQ organization, and is a alumni of the YSEALI Professional Fellows Program.

Sean Sih-Cheng Du

(he/him)
EAST ASIA and alternate ilga world REPRESENTATIVE

Sean Sih-Cheng Du is the Secretary-General of the Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association. He joined Hotline as a volunteer in 2002 and has been since actively involved in the work on LGBTI+ and PLWHIV’s rights. He became Hotline’s Director of Policy Advocacy in 2011 and the Secretary-General in 2021.

His work includes social education, workplace equality, gay men’s sexual health, and international affairs. He was a crucial member of the Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan and a board member of the Persons with HIV/AIDS Rights Advocacy Association of Taiwan.

He is currently the East Asian Representative of the ILGA Asia Executive Board, a board member of the Taiwan Equality Campaign, and a member of the Taipei City Committee of Gender Equality. He has a master’s degree in Sociology from National Taiwan University.

Artemis Akbary

(all pronouns)
NON-BINARY REPRESENTATIVE

Artemis Akbary is the Executive Director of the Afghanistan LGBTIQ+ Organization (ALO), a leading advocacy organization dedicated to the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings, with a main focus on Afghanistan. Their work involves engaging with international accountability mechanisms to ensure justice and accountability for LGBTIQ victims and survivors. With extensive experience advocating for LGBTIQ+ refugees at the EU level, Artemis is a recognized voice for marginalized communities. They have also worked as a consultant with various international organizations and NGOs on forced displacement issues. Artemis has addressed global human rights issues at forums such as the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Security Council, and other international platforms. Artemis holds an academic background in International Relations and European Politics, with expertise in Queer, Peace, and Security.

Chitsanupong "Best" Nithiwana

(she/her)
SOUTHEAST ASIA and ILGA World REPRESENTATIVE

Founder and executive director of Young Pride Club, Chitsanupong “Best” Nithiwana (she/her) is a human rights defender for the rights of LGBTIQ+ youth and gender equality in Thailand. Absolutely dedicated to her career path, she started out as a public information assistant consultant at the UN headquarters. She supported the digital campaign of Youth Peace Security to gain the meaningful participation of women and youth in peace processes worldwide. In 2018, she became the first transgender participant in the US Exchange programme, YSEALI Academic Fellows.

An outspoken advocate for the LGBTIQ+ community, she now runs her own community in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Young Pride Club, which is a safe learning community for young people interested in gender equality and the LGBTIQ+ community. Established in 2018, the community provides on-the-ground activities and online content to develop leadership and participation in gender equality advocacy. Young Pride Club was also a main organizer of the Chiang Mai Pride 2019-2022 and the 2022 Youth Pride Thailand, the country’s first pride organized by LGBTIQ+ youth for LGBTIQ+ youth. In 2022, it reached over 40,000 followers and developed 50 young leaders across the country.

Recently, Best also became an APCOM Hero Award Honouree (Community Hero) under the theme “Unity & Diversity ” in recognition of her inspiring work.