Contratá Trans (Hire Trans)

In Latin America and the Caribbean, a silent crisis unfolds daily, affecting millions yet often overlooked by mainstream narratives. The transgender and non-binary (TNB) community, one of the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in the region, faces systemic barriers that deny them the basic rights and dignities afforded to others. Despite comprising up to 2% of the population, TNB individuals encounter a hostile environment that drastically limits their access to formal employment, forcing many into precarious and informal work to survive. This reality is not just a matter of economic injustice; it is a profound human rights issue that perpetuates cycles of poverty, discrimination, and exclusion.

Recent studies, including those by RedLacTrans and the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights, illuminate the stark realities faced by the TNB community: widespread discrimination in job markets, a significant reliance on sex work due to lack of opportunities, and a strong desire among TNB individuals to access formal employment and leave precarious work behind. These challenges are illustrative of deeper societal and systemic issues that require urgent, targeted intervention.

While some legislative progress offer hope, such as Argentina's pioneering Gender Identity Law, the gap between policy and practice remains wide. The TNB community continues to battle invisibility, discrimination manifested by biases, stigma and ultimately abuse, often exacerbated by conservative political climates and the absence of genuinely inclusive work environments.

Contratá Trans emerged as a pioneer initiative championing the rights of TNB individuals to equal employment and respectful workplace environments. By addressing the root causes of exclusion and discrimination, we aim not only to open doors to new opportunities but also to spearhead a broader cultural and systemic shift toward diversity and non-discrimination. The time for action is now, as we stand at a critical juncture to reshape the narrative and ensure a more inclusive, equitable future for everyone in the region.

Contratá Trans is a pioneering initiative dedicated to fostering equal employment opportunities for transgender and non-binary (TNB) individuals while cultivating inclusive workplaces free from discrimination. Our solution operates as a web-based job matching platform, where TNB job seekers can create profiles showcasing their skills, experiences, and career preferences. Simultaneously, employers dedicated to diversity and inclusion can register and post job openings, facilitating seamless connections between job applicants and inclusive companies. Through our extensive network of over 400 committed organizations, TNB individuals gain access to a wide range of employment opportunities.

Beyond job matching, Contratá Trans functions as an educational hub, offering tailored resources for both job seekers and employers. For job seekers, these resources encompass training sessions covering resume writing, interview preparation, and awareness of workplace discrimination rights. Meanwhile, employers benefit from resources designed to cultivate inclusive work environments, including the implementation of non-discriminatory policies and sensitivity training on unconscious biases, gender identities, and respectful language usage.

By integrating job matching with capacity-building training, Contratá Trans adopts a holistic and community-centered approach that dismantles barriers in recruitment processes and fosters a transformative shift in corporate culture, promoting the economic empowerment of the TNB community. Embracing TNB inclusion not only benefits individuals but also enriches the entire community by creating a more diverse, equitable, and enriched work environment.

Led entirely by trans and non-binary professionals, Contratá Trans aims to drive systemic change in the job market by fostering greater acceptance, understanding, and inclusion of transgender and non-binary individuals. Our innovative approach leverages cutting-edge technology and expertise to promote equality and mutual understanding in employment settings.

In summary, Contratá Trans utilizes a web-based platform where users can create profiles, access job listings, and engage with training materials. Leveraging database management for job postings and user data, alongside audiovisual materials for educational sessions, Contratá Trans offers a comprehensive solution to foster equality and inclusion in employment settings.

Contratá Trans serves transgender and non-binary (TNB) individuals, a community that faces pervasive marginalization and systemic barriers to equal employment opportunities. TNB individuals experience discrimination, bias, and exclusion in various aspects of society, including the job market, due to entrenched stigma and lack of understanding about their identities.

This cycle of social exclusion is fueled by discriminatory practices, prejudice, and stigma in society, leading to a range of negative outcomes for TNB individuals. Discrimination in hiring processes, workplace harassment, and lack of legal protections perpetuate economic insecurity and limit TNB individuals' access to formal employment opportunities. As a result, many TNB individuals are forced into informal and precarious work arrangements, facing financial instability, poverty, and limited access to healthcare, housing, and other basic necessities. The first ever survey in Argentina about diversity demonstrated that there are about 170,519 transgender and non-binary individuals in Argentina of which 80% are excluded from the formal employment sector. 

According to a regional study held by RedLacTrans in 2020, more than 80% of transgender individuals consider job searches as hostile situations due to the discrimination they face based on their gender identity and expression (RedLacTrans, 2020). As a result, they are forced into precarious and informal situations as a means to survive. For example, 78% of the transgender women surveyed were engaged in sex work, (RedLacTrans, 2021). Another study showed that 87% of the trans women surveyed declared to quit sex work if they had access to formal employment, (IACHR, 2020). 

Moreover, the intersectionality of violence -economic marginalization and gender-based violence- contributes to an extremely vulnerable situation, reflected in the low life expectancy of this population. According to various studies about the situation of the trans population, the life expectancy is much lower than cisgender population, in some regions even reaching an average of 40 years. This alarming figure is caused by multiple factors, including hetero-cis patriarchal violence, lack of access to healthcare services due to discrimination within hospital institutions, lack of access to habitable housing, and the impediment of having a stable economic support that allows for the attainment of basic human rights necessary for a dignified life.

Our team is led entirely by trans and non-binary professionals. As a trans-led initiative, our team brings lived experiences, empathy, and a deep understanding of the profound needs of transgender and non-binary individuals to the forefront of our solution. Representation and community-centered approach is key in our project design and implementation. In addition, they are the mere illustration of the importance and potential of trans and non-binary individuals in leadership positions. 

Our team is representative of the diverse voices within the trans and non-binary community, ensuring that our solution is inclusive and reflective of the multitude of experiences within our community. By fostering a collaborative and participatory approach, we actively solicit input, ideas, and feedback from the community throughout the design and implementation phases of Contratá Trans.

Furthermore, our team with a multidisciplinary background have experiences in social project management, gender and diversity perspective, communication specialists, data collection and evaluation experts. 

Additionally, we prioritize the involvement of TNB individuals in decision-making processes, from feature development on the platform to the content and format of our training sessions. By centering the voices of our community in every aspect of Contratá Trans, we ensure that our solution is both relevant and impactful in addressing the systemic barriers to TNB employment.

As of now, through our platform Contratá Trans, over 400 TNB people have secured jobs, our network is now made up of over 400 companies including Accenture, Disney, JP Morgan, Santander Río Bank, among others. Additionally, over 50,000 people have participated in our capacity-building trainings, both in-person and virtually, where we address the challenges and barriers faced by TNB individuals in the workplace, fostering greater understanding and inclusivity. 

Currently, Contratá Trans is in the initial stages of scaling its initiative to Mexico and Colombia. In Colombia, we carried out a pilot project with GATT that provided valuable lessons learned. In Mexico, we have developed a roadmap in collaboration with UNFPA Mexico and conducted exploratory missions, resulting in partnerships with Impulso Trans and four other organizations. Additionally, we have conducted an extensive analysis and diagnosis of the challenges faced by the TNB community and workplace discrimination, laying the groundwork for effective intervention and expansion. Our next steps include establishing a co-implementation partner for the creation of the technological platform. In Colombia, we are laying the foundation for expansion by establishing new partnerships, conducting research, and leveraging our learnings from previous implementations. With these strategic efforts, Contratá Trans is poised for further growth and impact in multiple communities and countries.

We believe that our program, Contratá Trans, closely aligns with MIT Solve’s mission of utilizing technology to foster economic opportunities for underrepresented communities. Contratá Trans utilizes an innovative online platform to connect transgender and non-binary individuals with employment opportunities, directly enhancing their economic prospects and contributing to more inclusive economic growth.

We are applying to Solve because we recognize the power of collaborative innovation in driving positive change and addressing complex societal challenges. Solve's platform offers a unique opportunity for us to connect with a diverse network of experts, mentors, and potential partners who can support us in overcoming specific barriers and accelerating our impact.

We see this collaboration as a significant opportunity to enhance our capacity to scale and replicate Contratá Trans successfully. With ongoing replication efforts initiated in Mexico in 2023, supported by UNFPA Mexico, and explorations of partnerships in other regions, we are at a pivotal moment for expansion. This aligns with Solve's goal of supporting solutions with scalability and global applicability. Solve's network and resources can assist us in adapting and implementing our solution effectively across different cultural and legal landscapes. Through Solve, we can facilitate connections with relevant stakeholders and gain insights into navigating new contexts.

Furthermore, funding is essential for scaling our initiative and reaching more communities. Solve can connect us with potential donors, investors, and funding opportunities to support our expansion efforts in Mexico, Colombia, and beyond.

Additionally, developing and maintaining a robust technological platform requires technical expertise and resources. With limited resources to sustain a dedicated technical team, Solve's network of technologists and innovators can provide valuable insights and guidance to enhance the functionality and effectiveness of our platform.

Our solution, Contratá Trans, introduces an innovative approach to addressing employment discrimination against transgender and non-binary individuals by combining technology, education, and community engagement in a comprehensive online platform. 

Contratá Trans is uniquely led by trans and non-binary professionals who deeply understand the specific challenges and needs of their community. This leadership ensures that the platform and its services are genuinely tailored to address the real issues faced by transgender and non-binary job seekers. It's the first platform specifically designed for the transgender and non-binary community, reflecting a profound commitment to addressing employment discrimination in a targeted way. This specificity ensures that the resources, job listings, and support offered are highly relevant and effective.

 Contratá Trans goes beyond job matching to offer comprehensive capacity-building and awareness training for employers. These trainings are crucial in changing workplace cultures, promoting inclusivity, and educating employers on the benefits of diversity and the specific needs of transgender and non-binary employees.As the first-ever platform of its kind, Contratá Trans pioneers a dedicated space for employment and professional development for the transgender and non-binary community. By focusing solely on these groups, the platform sets a new standard for targeted employment support in the diversity and inclusion sector.

Contratá Trans is not just a job placement tool but a comprehensive program that aims to transform the employment landscape for transgender and non-binary individuals. By leveraging technology and education, it sets a new standard for how employment platforms can and should support marginalized communities, ensuring that inclusivity becomes a fundamental aspect of the employment market. Contratá Trans has the potential to significantly alter the market by normalizing the inclusion of transgender and non-binary individuals in mainstream employment. Over time, as more companies witness the benefits of diversity, such as increased creativity, broader skill sets, and enhanced workplace culture, we expect a shift in hiring practices across various industries.

Contratá Trans not only facilitates employment but also fosters a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and understanding in the workplace. This innovative approach has the potential to catalyze significant changes in the market and inspire similar initiatives globally, transforming how employers view and integrate diversity within their organizations.

Contratá Trans works by connecting transgender and non-binary (TNB) individuals with job opportunities from inclusive employers. We provide personalized support to TNB job seekers, helping them with resume building, interview tips, and navigating the job search process. By facilitating these connections and providing support, we empower TNB individuals to secure meaningful employment, improving their economic prospects and contributing to more inclusive workplaces. But in order to create stable and real job opportunities it is first vital to create inclusive and respectul working environments. 

Our solution goes beyond job-matching and addresses the root causes of systemic exclusion.  In this sense, we address the problem of structural discrimination and barriers faced by TNB individuals in the job market. By providing capacity-building trainings we raise awareness about unconscious biases, language inclusivity with a gender perspective and non-discrimination policies and protocols, among other key issues. This is just about connecting TNB individuals with inclusive employers, but rather foster a behavioural change among employees and contribute to a longer term corporate transformation where everyone values and celebrates diversity. We stress the importance that the inclusion of TNB talent not only benefits TNB individuals by providing them with stable employment but also benefits employers by enriching their workforce and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.

Overall, Contratá Trans expects to have a positive impact on the problem by breaking down systemic barriers to employment and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Through our solution, we aim to create a more equitable and inclusive society where TNB individuals have equal opportunities to thrive in the workforce.

Our impact goals for Contratá Trans are centered around significantly improving employment opportunities for transgender and non-binary individuals and enhancing workplace inclusivity. We measure our progress through several key indicators:

1.  Increase Employment Opportunities: Our primary goal is to increase employment opportunities for TNB individuals by connecting them with inclusive employers. We aim to measure our progress towards this goal by tracking the number of TNB individuals who secure employment through our platform.

2. Promote Diversity and Inclusion: We aim to promote diversity and inclusion within participating companies' workforce. Our goal is to measure the diversity of participating companies' workforce, with a focus on the representation of TNB individuals.

3. Reduce Discrimination and Barriers: We seek to reduce discrimination and barriers faced by TNB individuals in the job market. We assess the effectiveness of our training programs for employers by conducting pre- and post-training surveys that measure changes in knowledge and attitudes regarding transgender and non-binary issues. The goal is to achieve a measurable improvement in workplace inclusivity practices as reported by participating employers.

4. Enhance Economic Empowerment: We aim to enhance the economic empowerment of TNB individuals by improving their job prospects and access to meaningful employment. We will measure our progress by tracking indicators such as income levels, job stability, and career advancement opportunities for TNB individuals who have found employment through our platform.

5. Drive Systemic Change: Our overarching goal is to drive systemic change in the labor market towards greater acceptance and inclusion of TNB individuals. We will measure our progress by assessing changes in societal attitudes, policies, and practices related to TNB inclusion in the workplace.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we will utilize both quantitative and qualitative indicators:

• Quantitative Indicators: Number of TNB individuals securing employment through our platform, diversity metrics within participating companies' workforce, reported instances of discrimination and harassment, income levels and job stability of TNB individuals, and changes in societal attitudes and policies related to TNB inclusion.

• Qualitative Assessments: Surveys, interviews, and feedback sessions with TNB individuals and employers to assess their experiences and perceptions, success stories and testimonials highlighting the impact of our intervention, and case studies documenting systemic changes resulting from our efforts.

By continually monitoring and evaluating our progress towards these impact goals, we can adapt and refine our strategies to maximize our effectiveness and drive meaningful change for TNB individuals in the workplace and beyond.

Contratá Trans harnesses a user-friendly web-based platform as its core technology, and includes audiovisual materials tailored for virtual capacity-building trainings focused on diversity and inclusion within workplace environments. 

Our solution revolves around a user-centered web-based platform that serves as the central hub for TNB individuals seeking employment and inclusive employers looking to diversify their workforce. This platform facilitates seamless interaction, allowing TNB individuals to create personalized profiles, explore job listings, and engage with support services, while employers can post job opportunities and connect with potential candidates.

To supplement our platform's offerings, Contratá Trans provides a range of audiovisual materials specifically curated for virtual capacity-building trainings. These materials cover essential topics such as diversity and inclusion in the workplace, unconscious bias, and respectful language usage. 

Leveraging the Wordpress platform, Contratá Trans facilitates the development of user profiles and CVs with ease and efficiency. WordPress's content management system enables TNB individuals to create dynamic and appealing profiles that illustrate their skills, experiences, and career interests. Additionally, employers can utilize the platform to post job listings. 

The team working on Contratá Trans consists of:

Full-time:

• 1 General Program Coordinator
• 1 Institutional Relations Coordinator
• 2 Recruitment Leaders and Gender Specialists
• 1 Communications Leader and Spokesperson

Part-time:

• 1 Institutional Development, Account Leader
• 1 Administration Leader

We began developing Contratá Trans in 2019 with a vision to address the systemic barriers faced by transgender and non-binary individuals in the employment sector. Since then, we have refined our platform through user feedback, building partnerships with organizations, and conducting outreach to TNB communities. Our team has continuously iterated on our solution, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and leveraging resources to enhance the effectiveness of our platform. As we continue to expand our reach and impact, our firm commitment to equality and inclusion drives us forward in our mission to create a more equitable and inclusive workforce for all.

Diversity, equity, and inclusivity form the very essence of Contratá Trans' mission and drive our existence. Our platform was meticulously designed to confront and dismantle the entrenched systemic barriers faced by transgender and non-binary individuals within the employment sector. What sets Contratá Trans apart and ensures its vital role in fostering change is its unique structure, being 100% led by professionals who identify as trans and non-binary. Therefore, Contratá Trans embodies authenticity, empathy, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the community, ensuring that our interventions are not only effective but also resonate with the lived experiences of those we seek to support.

Furthermore, we ensure that the design, operation, and management of our platform are led by individuals from the communities we serve. This community-centric approach guarantees that our programs are reflective of the needs and voices of transgender and non-binary individuals, thereby promoting equity in our services and outreach.

Also, our internal policies mirror our external commitments. We adopt inclusive hiring practices to build a diverse workforce, offer comprehensive DEI training for our staff, and maintain an organizational culture that celebrates and supports diversity at every level. 

Also, we strive to make our resources, such as job listings, training modules, and support services, accessible to all, regardless of their background or needs. This commitment to accessibility ensures that our platform is genuinely inclusive, offering equal opportunities for everyone we serve.  Contratá Trans not only supports the TNB community, but also sets a standard for what true inclusivity looks like in the workplace and beyond. Our dedication to DEI drives our innovation and strengthens our impact, embodying our fundamental belief that diversity enriches and benefits society, from more talent and more productivity. Through our inclusive leadership and community-driven approach, Contratá Trans stands as an initiative that drives meaningful progress towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Our business model at Contratá Trans is centered around providing value to both our key customers and beneficiaries: transgender and non-binary (TNB) individuals seeking employment and inclusive employers committed to diversity and inclusion.

For TNB individuals:

• Recruitment Assistance and Support: We provide personalized support to TNB individuals throughout the entire recruitment process. This includes assistance with CV development, interview tips, and ongoing support and guidance to help navigate the job market effectively.

• Access to Job Opportunities: Our platform offers TNB individuals access to job listings from over 400 inclusive companies committed to diversity and inclusion. We match candidates with suitable job opportunities based on their skills, experience, and preferences.

• Empowerment and Guidance: We empower TNB individuals by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in their job search. This includes workshops, webinars, and one-on-one coaching sessions to enhance their job readiness and confidence.

• Safe and Supportive Environment: Contratá Trans creates a safe and supportive environment where TNB individuals can access resources, seek guidance, and connect with a community of peers facing similar challenges in the job market.

For inclusive employers:

• Access to Diverse Talent Pool: We provide inclusive employers with access to a diverse talent pool of TNB individuals actively seeking employment opportunities. By partnering with Contratá Trans, companies can tap into a pool of skilled and motivated candidates who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the workplace.

• Diversity and Inclusion Training: We offer virtual training sessions for employers aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within their organizations. These sessions help companies create welcoming and supportive work environments where TNB individuals feel valued, respected, and included. By investing in diversity and inclusion training, employers can attract and retain top talent, enhance employee satisfaction and productivity, and strengthen their reputation as socially responsible organizations.

Why they want or need Contratá Trans:

• For TNB individuals: Our platform offers TNB individuals access to job opportunities from inclusive employers who are committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide resources and support to help TNB individuals navigate the job market and overcome systemic barriers they may face in employment.

• For inclusive employers: Contratá Trans provides inclusive employers with access to a diverse talent pool of TNB individuals, helping them build more diverse and inclusive workplaces. We offer training and support to help companies create inclusive cultures where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported.

Overall, our business model revolves around creating value for both TNB individuals and inclusive employers by facilitating connections, providing resources and support, and driving positive change in the workplace.

Contratá Trans serves as a symbol of social change in fostering diversity and inclusion in the corporate world. Our financial sustainability is a key element of our success. Over the past four years, we've solidified our position as a leader in this space, driving corporate transformation and delivering tangible results. The expansion of our initiative underscores the practicality and efficacy of our strategies.

To ensure continued financial stability, our dedicated fundraising team has developed an extensive medium and long-term strategy. This strategy encompasses a variety of avenues, including grant-making, sponsorship, and individual donations. By diversifying our funding sources, we mitigate risk and ensure that our program can thrive regardless of external fluctuations.

In this sense, Contratá Trans operates on a sustainable business model. As an NGO offering a social product, we provide a comprehensive package of services, including capacity-building trainings, consultancies. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of our partners and can be structured on an annual, semester, or trimester basis. This flexibility allows us to adapt to the evolving needs of our stakeholders while maintaining steady revenue. By diversifying our funding sources, we mitigate risk and ensure that our program can thrive regardless of external fluctuations.

Since 2020 our budget has 

• 2023: $110.122,64 (U.S. Dollars)

• 2022: $103.090,20. (U.S. Dollars)

• 2021 $56.660,97 (U.S. Dollars)

• 2020: $26,669,86 (U.S. Dollars)

In 2020, Contratá Trans operated with a budget of USD 26,669.86, marking the early stages of its establishment and growth, while in 2021, the budget double to $56,660.97 USD, reflecting significant expansion and increased activity as the organization gained progress in the diversity and inclusion space. Furthermore, from 2021 to 2022, we experienced a substantial expansion, with our budget doubling once again to $103,090.20 USD, reflecting outstanding growth and momentum in its mission to foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The following two years there has been a steady growth in budget allocation which reflects both the increasing demand for our services and our ability to effectively utilize resources to achieve our mission. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to maximizing the impact of every resource invested in Contratá Trans, ensuring that we can continue to drive meaningful change in the corporate world where every person has the right to thrive in the workplace.

Finally, program coordinators are responsible for allocating and executing their budgets assigned in coordination with the administrative team. Transparency is at the core of our organization, therefore, we publish an annual Transparency report found in the following link: https://impactodigital.org/transparencia2023/