PAKISTAN has opened its first government-funded school for transgender women, who are often bullied out of mainstream education as children in the conservative nation.
Ostracised by their families and shunned by society, many transgender women earn a living through dancing, begging or sex work.
Murad Raas, the education minister for Punjab province where the school is based, vowed to provide "education for everyone" as he announced the opening of the school this week in the central city of Multan.
Run by transgender teachers, the school will provide afternoon classes and vocational training.
Baby Doll, a student at the school, said the behaviour of teachers and other staff at institutions she had previously attended was upsetting.
"Boys used to tease us and misbehave with us," said Doll, who is in her 20s.
Hina Chaudhary, a senior official of the Punjab education department, said there are plans to open more such schools.
Earlier this year, a transgender-only madrasa or Islamic religious school was opened in Islamabad.
However, the community continues to face abuse and stigma.
They have traditionally been called upon to perform rituals such as blessing newborns or to bring life to weddings and parties.
"People see us as a means of entertainment when we go out," said student Hania Henny.
"But the staff are extremely polite in the school. The difference between life at school and outside is that we feel relaxed here."
The scale of the event is immense, comparable to the combined populations of the United States and Canada. (Photo: Getty Images)
A Hindu devotee smeared with ash dances during a religious procession ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on January 10. (Photo: Getty Images)
Pilgrims carrying their belongings walk over floating pontoon bridges to go to Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, in Prayagraj on January 12. (Photo: Getty Images)
