Access to Decent Work for Transgender Individuals in Pakistan: Influencing Factors and Key Determinants

Abstract

This study examines transgender individuals’ access to decent job in Pakistan via socio-cultural acceptability, legal understanding, economic empowerment, and workplace discrimination. In a survey of 1,267 transgender individuals, multiple regression analysis investigates these determinants and career prospects. Economic empowerment was the strongest predictor of access to decent job, although all four categories were significant. The study found that socio-cultural acceptability was associated to decent work, therefore transgender individuals must reduce societal stigma to boost their professional prospects. Knowing one's legal rights boosts one's chances of securing stable job, particularly for transgender individuals. The investigation found that employment discrimination hurts transgender workers. The study contributes to labor market inclusion studies by examining transgender employment from socio-cultural, legal, and economic perspectives. It establishes the framework for future transgender inclusion research in the workforce and illuminates how these factors interact to influence adequate employment in developing nations. The study's findings urge firms and policymakers to adopt inclusive policies and laws to improve transgender workers' job market outcomes. Research on how legislation changes affect transgender individuals’ employment should concentrate on intersectional experiences.