SAHAS, an initiative that derives its name from the Hindi word for 'courage.' SAHAS is not just a project; it's a movement that addresses critical issues affecting transgender persons in India. With a comprehensive approach encompassing Healthcare, Human Rights, Social Welfare, Gender-Based Violence, and Community System Strengthening, SAHAS aims to create a rights-based, stigma-free, and inclusive environment for the holistic development of the transgender and Hijra community in India.

Project Overview:

SAHAS operates on three distinct levels, collaborating with organisations dedicated to uplifting the transgender community across ten sites, including Delhi, NCR, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala, . The project spans three years (2023 - 2026) and partners with seven community-based organizations: Mitwa Samiti, Chhattisgarh; Basera Samajik Sansthan, Noida; Ardh Sampoorna Foundation, Uttar Pradesh; Utthan, Jharkhand; Anmol Samaj Sevi Sanasthan, Madhya Pradesh; Snehabandhan, Assam.

Project Goals and Objectives:

Goal: To create a rights-based, stigma-free, and inclusive environment for the holistic development of transgender and Hijra communities in India.

Objectives:

Demonstrate models of community-led, holistic, and integrated service delivery mechanisms. Empower transgender communities for sensitisation and advocacy on social, economic, and health-related policy reform. Improve capacities and leadership of trans-led organisations to foster sustainable systems and change.

The Project aims to:

District Level: SAHAS centres will be established as 'one-stop transgender welfare centres,' providing services to around 15,000 transgender and Hijra community members. These centres will offer stigma- free healthcare, social welfare, violence mitigation, and legal aid. The project will also focus on community mobilisation through health camps, support group meetings, and celebrate local festivals. State Level: Engaging with various state departments, SAHAS will deliver services related to gender affirmation care, crisis management, social welfare, health services, skill-building, advocacy, and capacity building at the state level. A GAC clinic will also be initiated to serve as a model for other states. National Level: At the national level, SAHAS will develop and distribute Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on healthcare, education, legal aid, and livelihood services for the transgender and Hijra community. The project aims to make Gender Affirmation Care accessible to all persons from the community . It will facilitate capacity building of trans-led CBOs, entrepreneurshipdevelopment, and advocacy for policy changes. Join Us in This Journey: SAHAS envisions reaching 15,000 transgender and Hijra persons in the next three years (2023-2026) through its nine community welfare centers, offering sexual and health support, safe gender change, social welfare, and gender violence support. Together, let's build a more inclusive future. Join us in this transformative journey towards a more equal and compassionatesociety.