GIA Youth Chapter Projects
International Projects
Signing MOU with Pathfinder International for Youth-led SRHR Survey
Objective: To bridge data gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and empower youth through a comprehensive digital survey, enhancing family planning efforts in Sindh.
Description: In September 2023, Gender Interactive Alliance (GIA) partnered with Pathfinder International through their FHM Engage project by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This collaboration initiated a pioneering Youth-led Digital Survey aimed at collecting critical data on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The survey is designed to address gaps in existing data and provide a clearer understanding of the SRHR needs and challenges faced by youth in Sindh.
As part of this initiative, Pathfinder International appointed Miss Aradhiya Khan, a transgender youth representative, as a Co-Investor of the survey. This appointment highlights a commitment to inclusive representation and ensures that the perspectives and needs of transgender youth are adequately represented and addressed.
Outcome: The survey is expected to provide valuable insights that will inform future family planning and SRHR programs. It also empowers youth by involving them directly in the data collection process, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement in addressing their own health needs. The inclusion of a transgender youth representative emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in shaping effective and inclusive health strategies.
National Projects
HIV Prevention and Support Program for Transgender Youth
Objective: To reduce the prevalence of HIV among transgender youth through targeted prevention, testing, and treatment services, while providing education on safer health practices and psychosocial support.
Description: GIA implements a community-based service delivery model focusing on HIV prevention, testing, and treatment among transgender youth. This program, in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Program and Greenstar Social Marketing, emphasizes outreach efforts to reach underserved areas, including mobile prevention and testing services. Key activities include behavior change communication, counseling on HIV/AIDS, and promoting safer sex practices.
In the past year, GIA has reached significant milestones in HIV prevention among transgender youth across various cities:
Karachi: Reached 23,208 transgender individuals, with 15,703 receiving HIV tests, resulting in 768 HIV diagnoses, and 586 registrations for treatment.
Hyderabad: Reached 2,051 individuals, with 811 receiving HIV tests, resulting in 48 HIV diagnoses, and 35 registrations for treatment.
Larkana: Reached 985 individuals, with 290 receiving HIV tests, resulting in 13 HIV diagnoses, and 10 registrations for treatment.
Sukkur: Reached 1,029 individuals, with 152 receiving HIV tests, resulting in 17 HIV diagnoses, and 15 registrations for treatment.
PrEP Registrations: Across these sites, a total of 73 transgender individuals have registered for PrEP, including 34 from Karachi and 17 from Hyderabad, to reduce their risk of contracting HIV.
Outcome: This program has significantly improved access to HIV testing and treatment among transgender youth, helping reduce the spread of HIV within this vulnerable group. The comprehensive approach combining outreach, education, and medical support has empowered young transgenders to take control of their health, aligning with GIA’s broader mission of promoting overall wellness and community resilience.
PrEP Awareness Focus Group discussions for the Transgender Community
Objective: Educate and inform the transgender community about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) as a preventive measure against HIV, promoting safer health practices and increasing access to HIV prevention resources.
Description: GIA, in collaboration with UNDP Pakistan, the CDC Sindh Government, and other partners, conducted a series of awareness sessions with the transgender community to introduce PrEP. The sessions focused on educating participants about the benefits, usage, and accessibility of PrEP, aiming to reduce HIV transmission within the community. The discussions were tailored to address misconceptions, answer community-specific concerns, and promote the adoption of PrEP as a key element of HIV prevention strategies.
Outcome: The sessions successfully raised awareness and understanding of PrEP among the transgender community, encouraging its use as an effective preventive measure. This initiative played a crucial role in bridging the knowledge gap around HIV prevention, contributing to safer health practices and empowering the transgender community to take proactive steps in managing their health.
Mental Health and Well-being Retreat for Transgender Youth and Adult.
Objective: To provide a safe and nurturing environment where transgender youth and adults can engage in activities that promote mental health, emotional resilience, and community bonding.
Description: The retreat is designed as a sanctuary for transgender youth and adults, offering a range of mental health sessions facilitated by professional and community-friendly therapists. These sessions focus on addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by the transgender community, including coping strategies, stress management, and self-empowerment. Participants are also engaged in interactive games and sharing circles, where they can express their life experiences, build connections, and support one another in a non-judgmental space.
Target Reach: The retreat aims to impact approximately 100 transgender youth and adults, fostering a sense of belonging and collective healing. By combining therapeutic interventions with recreational activities, the program strives to strengthen participants’ mental health and equip them with skills to navigate life’s challenges.
Outcome: This initiative not only provides immediate psychosocial support but also helps build long-term resilience within the transgender community. By creating a space of solidarity and empowerment, the retreat reinforces GIA’s commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of transgender individuals, especially youth, enabling them to thrive both personally and socially.
Transgender Youth Empowerment and Leadership trainings
Objective: Strengthen the advocacy skills of transgender leaders and youth representatives by enhancing their public speaking and lobbying capabilities.
Description: In December 2023, GIA conducted a province-wide training session for transgender leaders and youth representatives from Sindh, including participants from Karachi, Larkana, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Jacobabad. The training focused on representation, public speaking, and equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively respond to community problems. The program also included sessions on lobbying techniques, enabling participants to advocate against solutions that do not meet their community’s needs.
Outcome: Participants emerged more confident and skilled, demonstrating enhanced abilities to represent the transgender community’s needs. This training helped shine a spotlight on the talent and potential of transgender leaders, leaving them better prepared to engage in public forums, influence policy, and advocate for meaningful change.
Political inclusion training and advocacy Voting Rights Training for Transgender Youth
Objective: Empower transgender individuals, including first-time voters and young transgenders, to participate in the electoral process, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and enhancing voter turnout.
Description: In December 2023, GIA organized an online training series for 200 transgender persons including young transgenders across five major cities of Pakistan—Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, and Jacobabad. The training aimed to educate and motivate the transgender community, particularly first-time and young voters, about the importance of participating in elections. The sessions focused on building confidence, understanding voting rights, and navigating the voting process.
Outcome: The training led to a notable increase in voter turnout among the transgender community during the general election, demonstrating enhanced political activism and excitement. This initiative marked a significant step toward inclusive electoral participation, empowering transgender individuals to have a voice in democratic processes.