Abstract
A common problem in Indian society is lack of identity to transgender people, referred to as Hijras. Before the introduction of the transgender persons (protection of rights) act in 2019, most of the official documents did not have categorisation for them. Various studies focussed on attitude of public towards transgender people, their behaviour towards this community, their experiences, public apathy towards them etc. However there is less research on inclusivity of transgender people at workplace. Even the corporations have hesitation in employing the third gender people. Therefore they are forced to mask their identity for employment. In the short run they might survive but in the long run due to the fear of getting their identity revealed, they quit their jobs. Even if they are employed they are discriminated against. Unable to bear the humiliation they resort to other means for sources of money and living. Considering the plight of transgender people, to address their problems transgender persons (protection of rights) act was passed by the Parliament of India on 16th November, 2019. This was a turning point for them as it prohibited discrimination against transgender people in education, employment, healthcare, housing and other services. This legislation gave them a ray of hope in brightening their lives towards having better status in the society in the days to come. However it takes time for them to gain acceptance completely and also for the corporates to sync in with this new reality. Efforts are on, for inclusion of transgender people at state levels across India. Employers are bringing in inclusion in order to make good business sense. The companies that have realised the benefits of supporting this move are the ones to adapt quickly to it and accrue from it. In this context an attempt is made to understand whether the status of these transgender people have changed with respect to their acceptance, inclusive approach towards them at workplace, challenges and suggestions to bring gender equality in the corporate world.
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Zachariah, M., Nandini, A.S. (2023). Workplace Transformation in India: Creating a Trans-Inclusive Environment. In: Poonamallee, L., Howard, A.D., Joy, S. (eds) Managing for Social Justice. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19971-4_11
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