Aradhiya Khan, born around 1998, is a dedicated Pakistani transgender activist and social worker with a primary focus on advocating for the rights and well-being of the transgender community, particularly those who are economically marginalized. Her commitment to social change and inclusivity is evident through her tireless efforts aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by the transgender population in Pakistan. As an activist, Aradhiya actively engages in initiatives and campaigns that aim to foster awareness, acceptance, and equal opportunities for transgender individuals. Her work extends beyond mere advocacy, as she actively collaborates with various stakeholders to implement practical solutions and support systems for the economic upliftment of the marginalized transgender community. Aradhiya Khan’s contributions stand as a testament to her unwavering dedication to creating a more equitable and compassionate society for all.
Personal Information
Hailing from Abu Dhabi, UAE, Aradhiya Khan, as of now, is rooted in Karachi. She serves as the Project Coordinator for the Akhuwat Khawajasira Program within the non-profit organization ‘Akhuwat.’ In this role, she plays a pivotal part in driving positive change and advocating for the transgender community. Specifically, her responsibilities involve collaborating with educational institutions to initiate and facilitate constructive gender-based conversations. Aradhiya’s current position reflects her dedication to creating a more inclusive and understanding society by actively engaging with institutions to promote awareness and acceptance of diverse gender identities.
Dedicated Advocacy and Civic Engagement: The Impactful Journey of Aradhiya Khan in Transgender Welfare and Policy Reform
Aradhiya Khan has been a committed advocate for the transgender community, actively engaging with various organizations dedicated to their welfare. Her voluntary work spans collaborations with prominent transgender organizations, including PECHRA Organization, Sindh Transgender Welfare Network, HYPE Network (Rutgers WPF), and Sub Rang Society. Beyond her involvement with transgender-focused groups, Khan has demonstrated her civic engagement by serving as an election observer for both the Election Commission of Pakistan and FAFEN (Free and Fair Election Network) during the general elections of 2018.
In addition to her civic duties, Aradhiya played a significant role in the consultative process for the Transgender Protection Bill in 2018, showcasing her commitment to actively shaping policies and legal frameworks that promote the rights and well-being of the transgender community. Through her multifaceted engagement, Aradhiya Khan continues to contribute substantially to both advocacy and policy initiatives, furthering the cause of transgender rights in Pakistan.
Innovative Collaboration for Inclusive Employment: Aradhiya Khan's Role in the Akhuwat-Unilever Diversity and Inclusion Program
In July 2019, Aradhiya Khan played a crucial role in facilitating a groundbreaking collaboration between her organization, Akhuwat, and Unilever Pakistan. This collaboration resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at developing a diversity and inclusion program. The primary objective of this program was to pioneer employment opportunities for the transgender community within a multinational organization, marking a historic milestone in Pakistan.
Aradhiya’s proactive involvement in this initiative underscored her commitment to advancing inclusivity and creating tangible employment prospects for the transgender community. The collaboration sought to address the longstanding challenges faced by transgender individuals in accessing meaningful employment opportunities. Through this innovative program, Aradhiya aimed to break new ground, fostering an environment of diversity and acceptance within the corporate sector.
Furthermore, in October 2019, Leader TV conducted an interview with Aradhiya Khan, providing a platform for her to share insights and experiences regarding the transformative initiatives she has been spearheading. This interview served as a significant opportunity to amplify the awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by the transgender community in Pakistan, shedding light on the groundbreaking work undertaken by Aradhiya in the realm of diversity, inclusion, and employment.
A Trailblazer for Transgender Visibility and Equality in Pakistan
Aradhiya Khan has been a prominent advocate for the transgender community, representing their interests on both national and international media platforms. Her impactful presence includes appearances on reputable channels such as Express Tribune, Dawn News, Geo News, Al Jazeera, Asia Times, VOA Urdu, and Independent Urdu. Through these media engagements, she has effectively spotlighted the challenges faced by Pakistan’s transgender community, employing awareness sessions and public speaking presentations.
Beyond media advocacy, Aradhiya has taken her mission to the grassroots level, conducting awareness sessions and delivering presentations at non-profit organizations, universities, and schools across the country. Through these efforts, she has worked diligently to enhance understanding and empathy, striving to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for the transgender community in Pakistan.
Aradhiya Khan’s aspirations extend to fostering increased visibility and representation for the Pakistani transgender community. Her commitment revolves around promoting equality and human rights, with the overarching goal of contributing to a more equitable and accepting society in Pakistan. Through her multifaceted approach, she seeks to bring about positive change and greater opportunities for the transgender community in the country.