As we observe another Labour Day, our focus at Trans Youth Initiative-Uganda (TYI-Uganda) extends beyond celebrating the contributions of workers. We are also intensifying our efforts to create more inclusive and equitable work environments. This commitment is particularly crucial for supporting rural transgender and gender diverse youth, who frequently face significant challenges and discrimination in their employment journeys. Recognizing and addressing these obstacles is essential for fostering an equitable workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Rural transgender and gender diverse youth face a myriad of obstacles in the workplace that hinder their full participation and success. These challenges range from overt discrimination during the hiring process and unequal wage practices to more subtle forms of exclusion in daily workplace interactions. Such conditions perpetuate inequality and significantly impact their professional and personal lives. Acknowledging these barriers is the critical first step in our ongoing efforts to dismantle them and advocate for a fair and inclusive work environment for all. At Trans Youth Initiative – Uganda, we are steadfast in our mission to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent transgender and gender diverse individuals from fully participating in the workforce. Our efforts are aimed at creating a labor environment where diversity is recognized and celebrated as a strength.
At TYI-Uganda, we have conducted extensive research to understand the depth of employment discrimination faced by rural transgender and gender diverse youth. Our findings have been crucial in developing a comprehensive toolkit that addresses employment barriers and promotes inclusive practices. This toolkit is designed to aid both employers and employees, offering practical guidance on how to create workplaces that respect and value gender diversity. It serves as a vital resource in our mission to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation or background are treated with dignity and fairness in their professional environments.
Our current initiative, supported by Women First International Fund, focuses on empowering rural transgender and gender diverse youth communities with the skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in the job market. We are dedicated to advocating for policies that affirm and support all identities, ensuring that every worker, regardless of their gender identity, has the opportunity to succeed.
In 2023, TYI-Uganda launched the transformative Bakery Academy, specifically designed for rural transgender youth and gender diverse individuals. This program provides essential bakery skills and supports their employment through the sale of their products, fostering economic self-sufficiency and job creation within their communities. To further support economic growth, we enhanced the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) with innovative online trainings in management and leadership. This training was vital for strengthening the VSLA’s ability to support its members’ economic resilience. Additionally, we hosted a comprehensive two-day financial literacy camp, equipping rural transgender and gender diverse youth with crucial skills in marketing, bookkeeping, business management, and establishing market linkages. Lastly, we are provided startup capital to rural transgender youth and gender diverse youth to foster individual growth and contribute to the broader economic empowerment of the transgender community in Uganda. Our Economic justice program aims at improving the economic independence and social standing of rural transgender and gender diverse youth.
This Labour Day, join us at TYI-Uganda to push for progress. Let’s make equality and respect the foundational elements of our workplace culture. With continued support and collective action, we can foster a workforce that truly reflects the diversity and talents of our communities.
Support our initiatives by visiting TYI-Uganda’s website and learning more about how you can contribute to making our workplaces safer and more inclusive for all, especially for rural transgender and gender diverse youth.
