The Problems Faced by Eunuchs in Pakistan
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“The Problems faced by Eunuchs in Pakistan”
A country, where even the majority struggles hard to get their fundamental
human rights, there exist a community within, which is completely neglected and
alienated from the rest of the society. We have heard about them, we come across them in our social affairs, yet we never stop to ponder on their state of life. Hijras, khwaja saras, khusras and chakkas, all are the terms given to this community by our society. Three of these terms are derogatory, even used as abuses.
“Eunuchs” (hijras), the term describes a person who has no gender in particular, neither a male nor a female. Most are born apparently male, but some may be intersex (with ambiguous genitalia).”They are often perceived as third sex, and most see themselves as neither man nor women. However, some may see themselves as females. Unlike some western transsexual women, hijras generally do not attempt to pass as women. (1)
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The economic condition of Eunuchs in Pakistan is very poor. Very few job opportunities are available to them. Even they cannot do any technical job because of the social abuse. Eunuchs earn their livings in three ways. First, they sing and dance in weddings and other occasions of happiness to earn their livelihoods. Second, they beg on streets and roads and third, they choose the path of prostitution. It is very hard for many eunuchs to keep both their hands meet. Any honorable business is out of question for this condemned community.
There is no proper educational system for the eunuchs in Pakistan and instead are trained to beg, dance or are forced into prostitution. Conventional education system will not work for this sidelined community. In every city there are separate schools for boys and girls but there isn’t a single separate school or college for eunuchs. Without education, they are not eligible for any mainstream job.
Eunuchs are not given the status of Pakistani citizenship. Before this era, they had neither national identity cards nor passports. It means they couldn’t cast their votes in any election. Without a passport they couldn’t go abroad. They couldn’t perform hajj which is a compulsory