ASTITVA

mMitra trains transgenders to work as midwives which initially was a program developed to assist pregnant women in India's slums. Transgenders enrolled in the program develop deep connections with the families and communities and ensure that expectant mothers receive all of the information and care they need.

Prior to 2018, transgenders in India did not have the ability to bank  or vote as their ID cards did not match how they looked. Astitva has worked to get their community members voter ID cards, Aadhar Cards, Pan Cards and even bank accounts - with all documents recognizing them as transgenders.

In an effort to give transgenders options other than begging and prostitution, Astitva worked with individuals to determine what passions and skills they had and then turned that into vocational training. From beauty to cooking to dance, Astitva has empowered these individuals to find success.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many transgenders lost their livelihoods when they were forced to be locked down. Astitva and Pahal responded by providing grocery kits.

On average, 4000kgs of food were delivered monthly at the height of the pandemic.

Astitva led workshops with the Delhi police department on gender identity and gender expression to assist the officers with understanding the diversity of the communities they serve.