Aisha Mughal is a transgender woman who works as an activist, researcher and professional trainer. Since 2015, she has worked for transgender empowerment, health and rights in Pakistan through the National Commission for Human Rights, the Government of Pakistan and the  Wajood Societyan organization she co-founded, and where she currently serves as director of programs. Aisha was a member of Pakistan's National Task Force on the Transgender Bill and helped pass the Transgender Persons Act of 2018. She served as the UNDP expert consultant for Pakistan's Ministry of Human Rights from May 2019 to February 2021. In 2020, Aisha became the world's first transgender woman to represent the government of Pakistan in the official state delegation at the United Nations. She also was Pakistan's first transgender lecturer and government consultant. In 2021, Aisha was appointed as the ambassador for inclusive education in Punjab.  

IVLP Impact Award Project: Support Network for the Transgender Community

This project built a support network to build trust and bridge the gap between government departments and the transgender community, creating a safe space for dialogue and for response in case of any incidents. An advocacy seminar was convened in Islamabad to raise awareness on pressing issues faced by the transgender community. More than 50 transgender leaders, embassy staff, allies, government officials and representatives from other organizations participated.  Five community meetings were convened where discussions focused on health concerns such as HIV and on anti-trans violence in Pakistan. Seminars also focused on human rights, including an explanation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2018. Nine meetings were organized with government officials to continue promoting dialogue between the transgender community and the government.

"Aisha is doing a wonderful job ... to empower the Transgender [individuals] who have been rendered as a marginalized community, so I congratulate her for taking forward the community and getting its dignity and respect..." - Rabiya Javeri Agha, Chairperson of the National Commission of Human Rights

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Aisha participated in the IVLP Project Human and Civil Rights for Marginalized Populations for the Indo-Pacific, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Cultural Vistas in partnership with the Georgia Council for International Visitors, WorldOrlando and Pacific Forum.

Aisha's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "IVLP is a good learning experience, and it gives us, the young community leaders, a platform to enhance our knowledge and exposure. I'm looking forward to the in-person IVLP program!"

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Washington, DC; Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI

Country: Pakistan

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