By Khalid Khattak
In the premiere episode of our new “Data Discoveries” series, we’ll dive into a small dataset to uncover fascinating insights and explore how to transform these findings into compelling data-driven storytelling ideas. We hope this will also contribute to enhancing data literacy skills for our readers.
As we ask questions to this dataset, thinking of it like a character, the answers we find will help us build our story. We can explore its patterns and details, just like getting to know someone in a story. This makes it easier and more engaging to turn data into a compelling narrative.
This dataset on schools for transgender students has been extracted from Punjab’s Annual School Census 2023-24 (PDF attached). The census provides dozens of datasets and valuable information about public schools in Punjab, Pakistan’s largest province. As the most recent census, it’s a valuable resource for journalists to explore.
Here are some key insights and questions we discovered by exploring this small dataset that can help shape your story.
- Why does Multan have the most transgender students among all the districts? We can investigate the factors that contribute to Multan district having the highest number of transgender students compared to other districts. Are there specific policies, community support, or other reasons behind this?
- Why does Sahiwal have the fewest transgender students? Similarly, we can explore why Sahiwal district has the lowest number of transgender students. Are there barriers or challenges specific to this region that limit transgender student enrollment?
- Compare findings with the population of transgender people in different regions:Analyze this small dataset in relation to the population of transgender people across various cities and provinces in Pakistan. This comparison could reveal whether there is a need for more such schools in Punjab and other regions. Identifying areas with significant transgender populations but few or no designated schools could highlight gaps in educational access and point to the need for further initiatives.
- Comparative analysis: Compare these initiatives for transgender students with similar programs in other parts of Pakistan, neighboring countries, and the region. How does Pakistan’s approach stack up against these other efforts?
- Post-Graduation Outcomes: Track down transgender students who have graduated from these schools and investigate whether they were able to continue their education at the college level. What challenges or successes did they encounter?
- Investigate any commitments under the agreed SDGs or other international requirements:Explore whether the Pakistani government’s initiatives for transgender students align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to inclusive education and reducing inequalities. Additionally, consider any other commitments or recommendations from international organizations, such as the United Nations, that might influence or support these efforts.
- Emphasize the Human Interest Angle: In storytelling, and especially in data-driven stories, the human angle is a golden rule. This dataset presents a unique opportunity to connect with transgender students, their teachers, and other stakeholders, such as NGOs working in this field. By engaging with them, you can uncover the challenges they face, their success stories, and how these schools are making a difference in their lives. These personal stories bring the data to life, adding depth and emotion that make your narrative more powerful and relatable.
- International Context: This dataset is significant in the international context because these schools are government-run in a country often viewed as hostile to education, especially for girls. Many know Pakistan from stories like the assassination attempt on Malala Yousafzai, highlighting a country where girls’ education is often under threat. However, the existence of these designated schools for transgender students shows that Pakistan is also making efforts to care for its transgender population.
- Use this dataset as a reference for future stories:This dataset can serve as a valuable reference for any follow-up stories on the transgender community. Whether you’re exploring new developments, tracking changes over time, or delving deeper into specific issues, having this data on hand will provide a solid foundation for ongoing coverage and analysis.
- Remember the importance of accessing data in Pakistan:Keep in mind that in countries like Pakistan, where the data infrastructure is still developing, critical information like this may not always be readily available. It’s important to exercise your right to access information using Pakistan’s Right to Information (RTI) laws. Leveraging these laws can help you obtain essential data and insights that might not be easily accessible, ensuring that you have the necessary information to build an accurate and compelling story.
You can download this dataset from the link provided here.
These insights and questions can serve as starting points to develop a compelling, data-driven story. We encourage you to share your thoughts and additional ideas in the comment section below.