Youth Storytelling for Resilient Futures: Amplifying Urban Youth Voices in Dhaka
As part of the Youth Catalyst Initiative by UNFPA Bangladesh, supported by Sida, SERAC-Bangladesh successfully organized the “Youth Storytelling for Resilient Futures” workshop in Dhaka. The event provided a creative platform for young people to share how climate change affects lives, health, and access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), particularly within urban and marginalized communities.
Around 20 youth participants joined the session, engaging in interactive group discussions and storytelling activities that highlighted the realities faced by urban slum residents. Their narratives revealed how heat stress, waterlogging, poor sanitation, and limited healthcare access intensify the daily struggles of city dwellers, especially for young women and marginalized groups.
One participant shared, “In many urban slums, flooding and heat make life extremely difficult. During these times, accessing basic health services becomes nearly impossible. Sharing these stories helps others understand that climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s about the survival and dignity of entire communities.”
The workshop was facilitated by Shahina Yasmin (Program Lead), Ruhiyat Tasnim (PMEL Officer), Faruk Ahmed (Associate Finance and Admin Officer), and Md. Enamul Haque (Communication Officer) of SERAC-Bangladesh, along with other dedicated team members who were present at the event.
Through storytelling and creative reflection, participants explored ways to raise awareness, advocate for climate resilience, and strengthen youth leadership in promoting SRHR in urban spaces.
The Youth Storytelling for Resilient Futures workshop in Dhaka is part of the broader Youth Catalyst Project, which connects young voices to national and local policy dialogues. By empowering youth to reflect, express, and advocate, SERAC-Bangladesh continues to nurture leadership, resilience, and inclusive development for a sustainable future.