Slide 1

Research Question: The aim of our research is to observe the following areas:

1. How the Guru-Chela system exists in the life of Khawaja Siras as a social institution

shaping their well-being?

2. Understand the nature of the relationships that restrict Khawaja Sira’s mobility.

3. Comment on the social and economic exclusions that the community faces.

4. Conclude with policy recommendations to move towards a more inclusive society.

Slide 2

The term Transgender and Khawaja Siras; categories of homosexuals, crossdressers, rape victims and
zenanas, born hermaphrodites (khusras)

Slide 3

Research Methodology: two phases-

1. literature review of anthropological findings

2. methodologies and tools to fill in the gaps

Slide 4

Literature Review:

-Entering the community

-Poghat chittai ceremony

-Guru Chehla relationship

-Hierarchy within

-economic & social aspects

-state institutions recognition

Slide 5

-education

-exploitation

-dancing and singing

-old age
Slide 6

Policy Recommendations: The main purpose of our research was to find how the KS organizes themselves within the
Guru Chehla system and to signify the oppression they face throughout their lives. While a parallel system to family does exist
with the Guru’s, our analysis shows that due to the intersection of social and economic purposes, the relationship can become
quite devious; their protection becomes contingent on their ability to earn money. This shows that throughout their lives, KS
are trapped within the two institutions- one just as bad as the other. Our main purpose of proposing interventions is not to
break the entire system completely, rather to improve the existing structure to cater to the basic human needs of the KS
community. With our interventions however, we propose an exit option for those who are unhappy with their community or
the traditional work options available to them.

1. Registration through Database.

2. HIV/AIDS Program through public private partnership
3. Employability
4. Content Generation

Slide 7

Tier 1: Data Collection (Partners: Akhuwat, Naaz Male Health Alliance and IBBS)

-utilize the Guru-Chehla network within this community to register KS

-similar to BISP- we intend to identify, locate and interact with KS

-their starting point within the community were the older Khawaja Siras, on the sidelines

-does not suggest an immediate registration with the NADRA Office

- collaborating with Akhuwat Foundation, Naaz Male Health Alliance and the National Aids
Program: behavioral Surveillance

Slide 8

Tier 2: Health (Partners: Akhuwat, Nai Zindagi Trust)

-sexually transmitted infections due to the nature of their work

- sexually transmitted infections: infrequent condom use, bisexual lifestyles, universal

commercial sex and dissociation between protective knowledge and actions

- avoid going to public hospitals: bureaucratic structure and harassment at the hands of medical
staff dissuaded KSs from seeking medical help

1. collaboration with Akhuwat and Nai Zindagi Trust to provide HIV screening, treatment and
condom distribution, even for those whose mobility is restricted

2. issuing Insaaf Sehat cards contingent upon the registration Tier 1: Database. A. gateway to
receiving treatment from private hospitals B. increase the likelihood of registration since
benefits are now being attached.
Slide 9

Tier 3: Employability of KS (Partners: Easy Paisa/Jazz Cash & PSDF)

-Traditional three main avenues: Begging, Dancing or Sex-work

-1. Vocational Training Institutes (VTI) run by the Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC),
should collaborate with Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) to provide training to Khawaja
Siras.

-2. While Khawaja Siras learn these skills, the Government should pay a stipend to them as an
incentive to sustain them financially- to stop them from reverting to traditional modes of
earning.

A. Most own cellphones- we propose that money should be transferred to Khawaja Siras
through cell phones (Easy Paisa or Jazz Cash)

B. their negotiating power would increase due to increased financial stability they would
be able to exert this power to exist the system and reject to indulge in traditional practices.

Slide 10

Tier 4: Content Generation (Partners: Social Media Content Creators, Movies)

- Bol by Shoaib Mansoor tried to portray the struggles of a KS

- Darling by Saim Sadiq portrays a KS in a heroic and motivational role.

- Muniba Mizari works with Khawaja Siras on social issues

- positive social media campaign and inclusion through vast media outlets