U.S. Consul General Mike Hankey said, “The U.S. Government is proud to support TransFormation, where anyone – regardless of how they identify – can access salon services in a safe and inclusive environment for all guests. We recognize and celebrate the important contributions of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people and take pride in supporting improved health outcomes through innovative models that mobilize communities to take charge of their financial and physical health.”

USAID/India Deputy Mission Director Karen Klimowski said, “Using USAID’s principle ‘Do nothing about them without them’ as a guide, we are happy to share that members of the transgender community were directly involved in designing and establishing TransFormation, which is a priority for USAID as we prioritize locally-led and inclusive development. The salon will not only serve the community but enhance career and entrepreneurship opportunities for the local transgender community.”

Neeta Kene, Chairperson, Kinnar Asmita, a community-based organization, that set up and will operate TransFormation, said, “This initiative is a strong message to the society that Transgender Persons with the right kind of skilling and support can effectively mainstream themselves. For us this is not only an initiative on livelihoods, it is on dignity, self-worth, and progress. We are thrilled to start this initiative and we need the support of the mainstream to make it a roaring success both socially and financially.”

The International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual celebration and recognition of the contributions of transgender people around the world.  On this day and every day, the U.S. Government honors transgender people who are fighting for freedom, equality, dignity, and respect.  The TransFormation Salon was established with support from USAID and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), in partnership with FHI 360 and the Humsafar Trust. As the United States marks the 20th anniversary of PEPFAR, today’s launch is a continuation of the U.S. Government’s commitment to ending the inequities and service gaps that still stand in the way of progress.

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This new strategic framework chronicles the progress made across USAID’s 25 priority countries for maternal and child health since 2012 and lays out an action plan to measurably improve health outcomes for women and children as we collectively prepare to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. 

• Pressed for time? Read this 4-page factsheet. 
• Interested in learning more about how we can accelerate maternal and child survival through primary health care? Check out this 1-page infographic. 
• Want to see a snapshot summary of our results from the last ten years? View our results infographic. 
• In search of compelling stories? Hear from mothers and health workers around the world to learn more about the difference our programs have made over the past decade. 

Photo credit: Karel Prinsloo, Jhpiego

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