To ensure long-term improvement in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Dhaka, SERAC-Bangladesh conducted Refresher Orientations (One day) of youth volunteers on SRH and SGBV in collaboration with Ipas Bangladesh in June 2025 as part of the Improving SRHR in Dhaka Project, supported by Global Affairs Canada through the HealthBridge Foundation of Canada. This one-day training was held at Marie Stopes Bangladesh, Mohammadpur, Dhaka, and DISA Training Center in Mirpur-12, Dhaka, and brought together 75 youth volunteers, including 48 female and 27 male participants. This orientation focused on strengthening the self-efficacy of youth volunteers, building their confidence, communication skills, and technical knowledge to address SRHR and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) within their communities.
Participants revisited crucial topics such as Adolescent health and hygiene, Menstrual regulation (MR) and post-abortion care (PAC), Family planning (FP) services, Values Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT), Stigma reduction, social media engagement for SRHR advocacy, and Effective community outreach strategies. By promoting these areas through an interactive learning environment, youth volunteers not only improved their knowledge but also reinforced their leadership roles in local advocacy and support efforts.
The orientation was facilitated by experienced trainers from SERAC-Bangladesh, including Songita Sarker, Md. Shafiullah, Rabiul Islam, Kakoli Akter, Riyad Hossain, and Sumaia Akter. They have played a crucial role in guiding volunteers on how to effectively mobilize their communities, create safe spaces for discussion, and advocate for SRHR using a rights-based approach.
Youth are the driving force behind sustainable SRHR efforts. SERAC-Bangladesh firmly believes that investing in youth self-efficacy creates empowered individuals who actively promote health, equality, and safety in their neighborhoods. This orientation has once again proven that when young people are equipped with knowledge and confidence, they become agents of lasting change.