Individuals belonging to transgender communities are doubly marginalized. They lack the necessary skills required to secure mainstream employment opportunities and when they do get formal employment opportunities, they face discrimination at their workplace due to biases that society holds towards the community. To change this and in order to integrate them into mainstream employment opportunities, they require support through the process of skill development, the training process and post-placement support. The workplace should be enabling. Employers, senior staff and their peers at should be sensitized towards understanding transpeople and the challenges they face.
Solidarity Foundation is a Bangalore based foundation, supporting sexual minorities (LGBT) and sex workers from disadvantaged backgrounds. We aim to bring about long term sustainable change. Our areas of focus include expanding livelihood options available to these communities, building their confidence and leadership, offering them opportunities to grow. Our work is aimed at enhancing the dignity and respect they receive.
It is with this purpose that Solidarity Foundation is working to expand livelihood options available for transpeople . Starting with an understanding of their situation and based on their skills and interests we are attempting to help them secure employment in sectors like housekeeping, as security forces or in facility management, among others. If they have a steady job that brings home a decent monthly remuneration, it will help boost their self-esteem. This is a structured program that involves mobilising the community, garnering support of corporate bodies, initiating a skill development program, building confidence and training in soft skills, and placement support.
Funds gathered through campaign Milaap will be utilized for:
- Conducting interactive sessions to mobilize the community and introduce them to the program.
- Arranging for skill development and training programs for participants enrolling in this initiative.
- Arranging for capable and sensitive trainers to conduct skill development sessions.
- Paying stipends to participants to cover for basic needs, for the duration of 3 months when they are undergoing training full time.
- Identifying mentors or guides to offer psycho-social support to the participants through the training and placement process.