Experts from various sectors have called for enhanced education and awareness surrounding youth sexual and reproductive health rights.
Highlighting the critical need to reduce existing societal taboos and prejudices, speakers emphasized that a collective understanding of sex and gender differences is essential for fostering a progressive society.
The experts said these during a discussion meeting on “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Youth” organized by Nagarik Uddyog on Wednesday with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Pro Zubaida Nasrin from Dhaka University said: "There are strong efforts for women's sexual health, but support for adolescents, especially during puberty, is limited. There is a need for more awareness at the family level about the physical and mental changes in adolescents."
Despite rising awareness of menstrual hygiene, public knowledge about managing sanitary products in emergencies remains low. She stressed the urgent need to address child marriage and emphasize consent.
Mushfika Zaman Satiar, senior policy adviser (Social Sector) at the Netherlands Embassy, echoed these sentiments, said: “Access to sexual and reproductive health services is a fundamental human right.”
Women with Disability Development Foundation Chairperson Shirin Akhtar stressed the need for early focus on sexual and reproductive health and urged collaboration among ministries and NHRC.
Project Coordinator Masudur Rahman proposed the development of an action plan in conjunction with NHRC.
Social activist Neha Akhtar Sifat noted ongoing superstitions about sexual health in Narayanganj's Dalit community and called for greater government awareness efforts despite youth initiatives
Zakir Hossain, chief executive, Nagarik Uddyog moderated the discussion, while Joyita Hossain, project coordinator, presented the "Rights Here Right Now (RHRN)" project.
NHRC is urged to enforce laws against child marriage, engage with the Education Ministry on sexual harassment redressal, and advocate for menstrual health policies, including free hygiene products for marginalized groups.
Expanding educational campaigns, improving legal aid access, and increasing budget allocations for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) initiatives are also essential. Strengthening local engagement and enhancing report accessibility through digital media are critical steps in addressing grassroots SRHR issues.