Success Story: Success Story of Saira

Case Studies Of Shalimar VTI Beneficiaries

Success Story of Saira (Adnan Munawar)

My name is Adnan Munawar, but today I am
proudly known as Saira. As a transgender person,
life has been a series of challenges since childhood.
I left home at the age of nine because my family
never accepted me. After leaving, I experienced
many hardships—begging on the streets, selling
clothes door–to–door, and doing any work I could
find just to survive and meet basic needs. Despite
all this, I lacked any professional skills or formal education. I always wanted to study, but as a transgender person, gaining admission to a school was almost impossible. Life felt like an unanswered question.

Eventually, I registered myself with the Khawaja Sira Society, and it was there that I met the team from Home Net Pakistan (HNP). That meeting became a turning point in my life. The HNP team held my hand and showed me a new path filled with possibilities and hope.

Training and Support

Home Net Pakistan invited me to attend training sessions and awareness
programs focused on capacity building. Through the collaboration of HNP and UNDP, I was given the opportunity to enroll in a three–month certified beautician course at a vocational training institute.

This was a dream come true for me. I had always wished to learn a skill and start my own work. With their support, I finally had the chance to gain professional training and shape a better future.

Achievements and Impact

Successfully completed a certified beautician course.
Launched a small home–based salon.
Began selling unstitched dresses as a side business.
Gained financial independence and started earning a respectable income.
Was accepted back by my family after they saw my determination and
success.
Became self–reliant, with no need to depend on anyone else.
Gained awareness of my rights and how to raise my voice for them

Looking Ahead

Today, because of the training and support provided by Home Net Pakistan and
UNDP, I am an empowered, independent individual living with dignity and pride
among my loved ones. Now I understand my rights and know how and where to
advocate for them. Every achievement in my life is a result of the opportunities
and guidance I received from HNP and UNDP.

I will always be grateful for their role in transforming my life.

About

HomeNet Pakistan is a network organizations formed to raised awareness about the working conditions of Home Based women workers who comprise 70% of informal workforce behind the country economic activities.

Quick Link

Useful Links