By: Asim Nawaz
Cambridge, MA – Saro Imran, an activist for transgender rights in Pakistan, addressed the 2024 International Human Rights Activism Summit at Harvard University’s JFK Jr. Forum. The event, titled “Addressing the Forgotten Crisis: Violence and Discrimination Against Transgender People Abroad,” provided an opportunity to bring attention to the challenges faced by transgender individuals in Pakistan and South Asia.
Saro spoke on topics including violence, discrimination, and the barriers transgender individuals face in their pursuit of equal rights. They emphasized the urgent need for policies that address the marginalization and social exclusion of transgender people, particularly in developing countries. Saro’s remarks underscored both the resilience of Pakistan’s transgender community and the systemic obstacles it faces, including limited legal protections and societal stigmatization.
Attendees included scholars, students, and human rights advocates from around the world, who engaged with Saro’s call for inclusive policies and justice mechanisms. Their address sparked discussions on global cooperation to promote equality for transgender people across borders.
The forum, held at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, drew attention from international media, amplifying Saro’s advocacy and the significance of human rights for transgender individuals.