Success Story: Shiza TG

Case Studies of Shalimar VTI Beneficiaries

Shiza’s Story: From Struggle to Strength – A Transgender Woman’s Journey to Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur

My name is Abdullah Riaz, but I am proudly known as Shiza—a 24–year–old transgender woman who dared to dream beyond the limitations imposed by society. This is not just my success story, but a message of hope, courage, and
resilience for every transgender person who has ever felt unseen or unheard. Today, I stand tall as a skilled beautician and entrepreneur, but the journey to get here was anything but easy.

Being a transgender individual in our society is a challenge from the very beginning. From a young age, I realized I was different, and unfortunately, that difference was not celebrated—it was criticized, ridiculed, and rejected. I grew up in a household with three brothers and three sisters, but despite having a large family, I never received the emotional support I needed. My father passed away early in my life, and that left a huge emotional and financial void. Instead of being embraced, I was constantly made to feel like a burden.

Education was always my passion. I wanted to learn, to grow, and to become independent. But with no support from my family, I had to fight tooth and nail to pursue my dreams. I remember the countless nights of tears, frustration, and hopelessness—but I never gave up. After facing unimaginable hurdles, I finally managed to complete my matriculation. For me, this was not just an academic achievement—it was a victory over prejudice.

The search for a job as a transgender woman was heartbreaking. Time and time again, I was either denied work because of my identity, or when I did find employment, I was harassed, mocked, and treated without dignity. People would make insulting comments, stare at me, and humiliate me until I had no choice but to leave. Even stepping out of the house was difficult, as every public space became a battlefield for basic respect. The world saw me as a joke—but I knew there was more to me than what they chose to see.

Then, my fate took a turn. Through a close friend, I was introduced to HomeNet Pakistan (HNP). This was the turning point in my life. At Home Net Pakistan, for the first time, I felt seen, heard, and valued. The team not only welcomed me, but they also empowered me. Through awareness sessions, I learned about my rights as a transgender person, and more importantly, I realized that there are good people in the world who genuinely want to help.

HNP, in collaboration with UNDP, gave me an opportunity that changed my life forever. They enrolled me—free of cost—in a three–month Certified Beautician Course at VTI Shalimar. I cannot express the gratitude I feel for this.

The course taught me practical skills, boosted my confidence, and gave me a sense of purpose. I learned not just about makeup and beauty techniques, but also about professionalism, client interaction, and the importance of self–reliance.

Today, I work as an online beautician—and I am proud to say that I am earning a respectable income. My clients trust me, value my services, and most importantly, treat me with respect. I have gone from being unemployed and unsupported to becoming financially independent and self–confident. Every time I earn from a booking, I am reminded of how far I have come. This transformation was made possible by the support of Home Net Pakistan and UNDP, and I will forever be thankful to them.

Their efforts did not just give me a skill—they gave me my identity back. I now walk with my head held high. I am no longer ashamed of who I am. I am Shiza, a transgender woman and a successful entrepreneur.

I hope that HomeNet Pakistan and UNDP continue their incredible work, organizing more capacity–building programs for women entrepreneurs like me. There are so many others out there, just like I was—struggling, waiting for a single opportunity to prove themselves. With continued support and training, I believe we can create an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their gender identity, has the right to dream and achieve.

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.

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