India’s transgender community, estimated at 4.8 million people according to the 2011 census, faces persistent socio-economic challenges—ranging from discrimination in education and employment to social isolation and limited access to essential services. Despite progressive legal judgments, such as the Supreme Court’s 2014 recognition of transgender rights, the journey toward true inclusion remains unfinished. At Publicis Sapient, we believe that digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s about people. Harnessing digital as a force for good, we are committed to driving social impact and empowering marginalized communities, including trans people in India, to thrive in a digital-first world.
Digital inclusion is a catalyst for social and economic empowerment. For the transgender community, access to technology and digital skills can open doors to education, dignified employment, healthcare, and community support. Yet, barriers remain stark: studies show that 96% of trans people in India are denied jobs, and more than half have never attended school. Those who do often face abuse and exclusion. Bridging this gap requires more than awareness—it demands actionable, future-oriented solutions.
Digital platforms can serve as lifelines for trans individuals, connecting them to resources, support networks, and job opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. By designing inclusive digital experiences—such as forms that recognize diverse gender identities and safe online spaces for community engagement—organizations can help trans people access services with dignity and privacy. At Publicis Sapient, our approach to digital accessibility ensures that technology is usable by all, regardless of identity or ability. As Alison Walden, our VP of Technology & Accessibility Lead, notes: “When we make a digital experience accessible, it improves it for all audiences.”
Empowering the transgender community also means equipping individuals with the digital skills needed to participate in the modern workforce. Through targeted training programs, mentorship, and access to technology, trans people can gain the confidence and capabilities to pursue careers in technology, business, and beyond. Publicis Sapient’s commitment to talent development and flexible, distributed work models enables us to reach and nurture talent wherever it exists—including in cities and communities that have historically been overlooked.
Our partnership with The Humsafar Trust, India’s oldest LGBTQ organization, exemplifies our philosophy of using digital for good. The TRANScend initiative is a pioneering social impact project focused on enhancing the socio-economic inclusion of trans people in India. By working directly with community members, TRANScend aims to create opportunities for education, employment, and social integration—empowering trans individuals to lead lives of dignity and respect. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that extends beyond our organization and into the communities we serve.
True digital transformation is inclusive by design. At Publicis Sapient, we embed LGBTQ+ inclusion into every stage of our digital journeys—whether through leadership advocacy, inclusive product design, or data-driven personalization that respects privacy and identity. Our HOW Talks series and internal communities foster dialogue, mentorship, and continuous learning, ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices are heard and valued. We believe that diverse teams drive better decision-making, foster creativity, and are more adept at solving complex problems—benefiting both business and society.
Leaders at Publicis Sapient and our partners emphasize that digital inclusion is both a moral and business imperative. As Sanjay Menon, Managing Director of Publicis Sapient India, states: “Our efforts to enable transformation through this philosophy also extend beyond our own organization into the work we do as part of our corporate social responsibility initiatives.” Vivek Anand, CEO of The Humsafar Trust, adds: “The TRANScend project is a small step towards bringing TG communities in the fold of mainstream society and creating opportunities that will empower them to lead a life of dignity and respect.”
Organizations seeking to drive digital inclusion for the transgender community—and other marginalized groups—can take several actionable steps:
At Publicis Sapient, we are driven by the belief that digital can solve complex challenges and have a real impact on people’s lives. By leveraging technology, data, and human-centered design, we strive to create a more inclusive digital future—one where the transgender community in India, and all marginalized groups, can access opportunity, achieve their potential, and thrive. We invite organizations, partners, and individuals to join us in this mission, using digital transformation as a powerful tool for social inclusion and positive change.