Contributor:
Mahnoor Chaudhary Aka Moon
Moon is a development practitioner, social scientist and gender right expert, HIV activist, trainer, researcher. She is Program Director of Khawaja Sira Society and also former Executive board member of ILGA Asia and steering committee member of GFAN-AP. She is a Member of prime minister counsel Pakistan. She received an international Award as Community Hero (standing for HIV, Equality and Rights) for communities across Asia and the Pacific) and also received the recognition award from Governor Punjab for remarkable efforts for vulnerable communities.
Being a program director of Khawaja Sira Society, she has successfully implemented the multiple projects which includes, Multi Country South Asia Global Fund Project (Reducing the Impact of HIV on transgender populations in South Asia.)
- https://www.facebook.com/moon.ali.5439?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- https://www.instagram.com/maha.noorch/profilecard/?igsh=MXVwazJ2Z3N4bzVkdA==
The Khawaja Sira Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the rights, dignity, and well-being of Khawaja Sira and Transgender individuals in Pakistan. Our mission is to create an inclusive and accepting society where Khawaja Sira individuals can live without fear of persecution, discrimination, or marginalization.
Our organization works tirelessly to:
- Advocate for policy reforms and legislation that protects Khawaja Sira and Transgender individuals rights
- Provide access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for Khawaja Sira and Transgender individuals
- Raise awareness and promote understanding of Khawaja Sira and transgender issues through community outreach and education
- Support and empower Khawaja Sira transgender individuals to become leaders and change-makers in their communities
KSS believe that every individual deserves respect, dignity, and equality, regardless of their gender identity or expression.
- https://www.facebook.com/share/1AmeQBYWA6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- https://www.instagram.com/khawajasirasociety/profilecard/?igsh=MWN4b243ZjI1cGg3Yw==
“Khawaja Sira Society reaffirmed its commitment to advancing trans rights through collaboration, advocacy, and support. Together, we aim for a world embracing inclusion, diversity, and equality for all.”
Mahnoor Chaudhary
Ms. Mahnoor Chaudhary, the Director of Khawaja Sira Society recently addressed the Federal German Office during the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) Conference held on 17th-18th December 2024 in Berlin, Germany. The discussion spotlighted the critical issues of safeguarding the rights and dignity of trans and gender-diverse individuals on a global platform. The Director brought attention to South Asia’s best practices, particularly Pakistan’s efforts, while shedding light on the persistent challenges faced by trans individuals in accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment. The dialogue emphasized the urgent need for collaboration among policymakers, lawmakers, and civil society organizations to advance the rights and inclusion of trans and gender diverse communities.
Key Points of Commitment Inclusion of Pakistan as a Member State: Strengthening global representation of trans and gender-diverse individuals. Advocacy for Inclusive Policies: Promoting laws that protect and respect the rights of trans communities worldwide. Resource Mobilization: Providing resources and support for trans and gender-diverse communities to empower their voices.
Speaking to state officials, lawmakers, international organizations, and civil society, the Director urged collective action to ensure trans individuals live with dignity and respect. The ERC Conference, with 45 member states, unites human rights defenders and policymakers to create inclusive public policies. Khawaja Sira Society reaffirmed its commitment to advancing trans rights through collaboration, advocacy, and support. Together, we aim for a world embracing inclusion, diversity, and equality for all.
See here for conference engagement.
Other Reflection Pieces:
Reflection from Indonesia:
Purba Widnyana
Reflection from Japan:
Takeharu Kato
Reflection from Nepal:
Sarita K.C.
