The Masawat Program, also known as the Masawat Equality Program, is an initiative designed to provide financial support to transgender women in Pakistan. Under this program, transgender women receive a sum of Rs. 7,000 every three months.
While the Ehsaas program was initially created to alleviate poverty and offer financial aid to the broader population, the Ehsaas Equality Program, as the name suggests, seeks to ensure equality for all, including transgender individuals. The government of Pakistan has extended this assistance to transgender women, particularly those aged 40 and above.
Transgender Women In Pakistan
like many other countries, transgender individuals face a multitude of personal, social, cultural, and economic challenges, often leading to their social exclusion and heightened vulnerability. They are disproportionately affected by persistent poverty and limited human capital development. As a result, addressing the needs of transgender individuals has become a priority for social security policymakers in the country.
To address these challenges,
The Pakistan Social Protection Authority (PSPA) has initiated the Equality Program under the Transgender Persons Welfare Policy. This program provides unconditional cash transfers to elderly and disabled transgender individuals, aiming to stimulate employment opportunities and promote microcredit initiatives among transgender-owned businesses.
Additionally,
the program intends to collaborate with organizations and agencies to organize free medical camps for screening, treatment, and medication for transgender individuals. Furthermore, PSPA plans to join hands with the private sector to create employment opportunities for transgender people.
To register for the Benazir Khawaja Sara Program, transgender individuals need to follow a straightforward process. They must first obtain an ID card from NADRA that designates their gender as “eunuch.” Afterward, they can visit the Benazir Income Support Program office to enroll in the program.
Masawat Program
The Masawat Program provides unconditional cash benefits of Rs. 3,000 per month to senior transgender individuals and Rs. 2,000 per month to disabled transgender persons. These funds can be accessed through HBL Konnect agents across Punjab.
For online registration in the Ehsaas Masawat Program, the government of Punjab has taken steps to promote equality and justice through inclusive policies. Eligible transgender individuals can register at any branch of the Bank of Punjab.
The key objectives of the Transgender Program include mainstreaming transgender individuals into public services and programs by providing livelihood support, education, health services, and housing. It aims to protect transgender individuals from unemployment while ensuring a minimum standard of living, fostering human capital development, and improving their overall health and well-being.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria for the Ehsaas Masawat Transgender Program include being above 40 years of age or being disabled if below 40 years, and having a transgender CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) with a mentioned disability.
FAQs:
- What is the Ehsaas Masawat Program, and what is its purpose? The Ehsaas Masawat Program has been launched by the government to assist transgender people in dealing with their unique social challenges and addressing their specific needs.
- With whom does the Ehsaas Masawat Program collaborate? The Ehsaas Equality Program collaborates with the Punjab Social Protection Authority and the Bank of Punjab.
- What are the goals of the Ehsaas Masawat Program? The program aims to provide transgender individuals with access to basic healthcare, employment opportunities, and comprehensive financial assistance, ultimately ensuring their full inclusion and equality in society.
BISP Basic Information Required
| Information | Details |
| Contact Number | 0800-26477, 051-9246326 |
| Address | Benazir Income Support Program, Block F, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Registration Document Required | CNIC, B-Forms, Mobile No, Gas/Electricity Bill, Home Rent Agreement if Available. |