CHALLENGES FACED BY TRANSGENDERS REGARDING SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES DURING COVID-19 IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The transgender community in Pakistan has long been subjected to sexual abuse, harassment, and discrimination across various aspects of life, including employment, economic wellbeing, and access to health facilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these issues, particularly affecting their Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) needs and rights, leading to greater vulnerability, discrimination, and abuse. This study aims to assess the challenges faced by transgender individuals in Pakistan regarding their SRH rights and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi area, this research employs a mixed-method approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data to ensure a robust analysis of the multifaceted issues faced by the transgender community, enhancing the reliability and validity of the findings. The study encompasses comprehensive desk research and a structured interview questionnaire for data collection, spanning six months and involving a sample size of 109 transgender individuals. Descriptive analysis, along with critical discourse analysis, is performed to triangulate and interpret the study's findings. The results of the study revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the transgender individuals were at heightened risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Syphilis due to unsafe sexual practices and limited access to preventive and treatment services, lack of awareness and sensitivity towards transgender-specific health needs, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. These challenges were further compounded due to lockdowns and restrictions disrupting already limited healthcare services and exacerbating the social, economic, and psychological vulnerabilities of transgender individuals. Despite international commitments such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of 1995, which advocate for accessible and high-quality SRHR services for all, the implementation in Pakistan remains limited. The study reveals significant gaps in current healthcare policies and services, which fail to adequately address the unique needs of the transgender community, especially during a global pandemic. The research underscores the necessity for policy-level interventions and specific budget allocations to bridge these gaps and improve SRH services for transgender individuals. This research contributes to the existing literature by exploring the specific SRH issues faced by the transgender community in Pakistan and proposing sustainable solutions to foster a more inclusive society. The findings serve as guidelines for policymakers,government officials, and healthcare professionals to formulate COVID-19 health policies that cater to the unique needs of transgender individuals. Additionally, the study provides valuable insights for civil society organizations advocating for minority rights, enabling them to address SRH disparities and promote inclusivity more effectively.