Breaking the Cycle of "Begging and Dancing": Socio-Economic Barriers to Formal Employment for the Transgender Community in Punjab

Authors

  • Muhammad Jazib Niaz Student, MS Social Work, Department of Social Work, University of the Punjab, Lahore Author
  • Shahzeb Danish Student, BS Sociology, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore Author
  • Abdul Rehman Student, BS Social Work, Department of Social Work, University of the Punjab, Lahore Author
  • Insha Student, MS Sociology, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore Author
  • Misbah Yaseen Student, ADA Social Work, Government Graduate College for Women, Bhakkar Author
  • Hifza Student, BS Gender Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore Author
  • Muhammad Rizwan Safdar Assistant Professor, Sociology, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore Author
  • Fouzia Sadaf Assistant Professor, Sociology, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore Author
  • Ahmed Usman Professor, Sociology, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59075/tx7m8x89

Keywords:

Transgender rights, Punjab, formal employment, socio-economic barriers, Khwaja Sira, shadow economy

Abstract

Despite legislative milestones such as the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, the transgender community in Punjab, Pakistan, remains largely confined to the informal "shadow economy" of begging (mangna) and dancing (nachna). This research article investigates the systemic socio-economic barriers that prevent formal employment for the Khwaja Sira community. Utilizing a qualitative analysis of data from 2020 to 2026, the study identifies a "Triple Barrier" consisting of family rejection, educational exclusion, and workplace transphobia. The paper also analyzes the impact of the 2023 Federal Shariat Court ruling and the 2025 "Pehchan" skills initiative. Findings suggest that while vocational training is increasing, the lack of a legal framework for self-perceived identity and persistent social stigma creates a cycle of poverty. The study concludes with policy recommendations for inclusive hiring and legal protections.

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Published

2026-04-01

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): The Critical Review of Social Sciences Studies

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 The Critical Review of Social Sciences Studies

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Breaking the Cycle of "Begging and Dancing": Socio-Economic Barriers to Formal Employment for the Transgender Community in Punjab. (2026). The Critical Review of Social Sciences Studies, 4(2), 01-09. https://doi.org/10.59075/tx7m8x89

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