On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, SERAC-Bangladesh undertook a series of impactful initiatives across both urban and rural communities, reflecting its strong commitment to promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and adolescent health and rights. Through coordinated efforts under different projects, the organization reached diverse groups-including adolescent girls, young women, community members, and local stakeholders-creating spaces for dialogue, learning, and collective action.
In Dhaka, under the Youth Share-Net Project, SERAC-Bangladesh organized a community awareness session titled “Celebrating Women’s Day: Advancing Health and SRHR Knowledge” in Shewrapara, Mirpur. Supported by RedOrange Limited and funded by AmplifyChange, this session focused on addressing the persistent challenges that adolescent girls and young women face in accessing accurate information about their health. Cultural taboos, misinformation, and social stigma often limit open discussions around menstrual health, reproductive health, and access to services, leaving many young girls vulnerable to early marriage, early pregnancy, and poor health practices.
The session created a safe and inclusive environment where participants could openly engage in discussions on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), menstrual health management, family planning, and youth-friendly health services. Facilitated through a participatory approach, the discussion encouraged attendees to share their experiences and ask questions without hesitation. This open dialogue played a significant role in breaking long-standing taboos and building confidence among participants. The presence of SERAC-Bangladesh and Share-Net Bangladesh representatives further strengthened the message on the importance of informed decision-making and prioritizing personal health. With the participation of adolescent girls, young women, and community members, the session demonstrated a growing willingness within communities to engage in conversations around women’s health and rights, ultimately leading to increased awareness and understanding.
At the same time, SERAC-Bangladesh extended its International Women’s Day initiatives to Barguna district through the “Give to Gain” community awareness campaign under the Space to Lead Project. Supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and technically assisted by Plan International Bangladesh, this campaign was implemented across Barguna Sadar and Patharghata upazilas, covering multiple unions. The sessions brought together a wide range of participants, including government health service providers, adolescents, parents, teachers, religious leaders, and local representatives, ensuring a comprehensive community engagement approach.
The discussions in these sessions focused on the rights of women and girls, gender equality, social protection, and adolescent health and well-being. Particular emphasis was placed on addressing the harmful impacts of child marriage, understanding physical and mental changes during adolescence, and promoting the use of adolescent-friendly health service corners. Participants actively contributed to the discussions, sharing their perspectives and expressing their commitment to spreading awareness within their communities. The involvement of local leadership and government representatives added further importance to the sessions, highlighting the need for collective responsibility in building a safe and equitable society.
Across both Dhaka and Barguna, the International Women’s Day initiatives of SERAC-Bangladesh reflected a unified approach-combining awareness, participation, and community-driven dialogue. These efforts not only enhanced individual knowledge but also contributed to shifting social norms by encouraging open conversations on issues that are often considered sensitive. By creating opportunities for learning and engagement, SERAC-Bangladesh continues to empower women, girls, and young people to understand their rights, make informed decisions, and actively contribute to building inclusive and equitable communities.
International Women’s Day 2026, for SERAC-Bangladesh, was not just a moment of celebration-it was a meaningful step forward in strengthening voices, breaking barriers, and driving sustainable change at both community and national levels.