As many as 300 transpersons received vocational courses certificates offered by Sahodaran, an NGO working for welfare of transpersons and CGI, an IT and business consulting firm working to uplift LGBTQIA+ community on Tuesday in Chennai.

The skill development, which has seen four batches of 300 transpersons graduate, aims to uplift and empower transgender individuals, while also working to break social stigma and pave the way for societal acceptance in companies.

Through this initiative, Vanisri G., a transwoman, completed a course in organic soap making and tailoring. “I actually have a degree in engineering, but nobody would hire me since I am a transwoman. I tried to get a few jobs. In the few jobs that I worked, they did not treat me right. So, I pursued this vocational course,” she said.

With the help of her self-help group, she hopes to set up stalls in various exhibitions showing their handwork to earn for her livelihood.

Pointing out the difficulty in landing a job, president of CGI APAC Rakesh Aerath said that the biggest barrier for transpeople has been access to sustainable livelihood opportunities. “The government, NGOs, and companies must work together to create a greater impact,” he said.

Founder of Sahodaran Sunil Menon said that no other country has achieved what Tamil Nadu achieved as a State. “It is also because the people of Tamil Nadu have been so supportive, ” he said.

Commissioner of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Brindha Devi and other members of Sahodaran and CGI were also present at the event.

Published - August 05, 2026 12:52 am IST