Experts Urge Youth Engagement for Universal Sexual and Reproductive Health Access

Experts today suggested engaging youths in formulating and implementing policies regarding universal access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) to ensure safe sexual life and access to good quality care to sexual and reproductive wellbeing for all people.

They proposed forming a national SRHR youth committee and revising the related guidelines to increase the youth participation to ensure the access to SRHR.  The experts came up with the recommendations at the opening ceremony of the 9th Knowledge Fair on SRHR, jointly organized by the Share-Net Bangladesh (SNBD) and Asian University for Women (AUW), at a city hotel with the theme "Youth Power 2024: Nothing without Us".

Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP) Director General Md Saifullahil Azam spoke at the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest while United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Bangladesh, Chief of Health Dr Vibhavendra Raghuvanshi and Charge d'Affairs of the Netherlands Embassy in Dhaka Thijs Woudstra spoke as special guests.

Speaking on the occasion, DGFP Director General Saifullahil Azam said, "There is no doubt that it is youth that shapes the future of a country . . . so, without their participation and the consideration of their needs, no plans can be successful".  Noting that 47 percent of the country's total population is under the age of 25 years, he said there is an opportunity to harness the demographic dividend using this human resource. 

"Therefore, we need to concentrate on the development of several policies to create a skilled workforce and promote youth leadership," he added.  UNFPA, Bangladesh, Health Chief Dr Vibhavendra Raghuvanshi said ensuring public healthcare and achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3) on health is not possible without the proper knowledge and awareness about sexual and reproductive health and rights.

He said government support is crucial to create a positive environment for raising awareness among the youth about sexual and reproductive health.  Charge d'Affairs the Netherlands Embassy in Dhaka Thijs Woudstra stressed on youth's active participation in Bangladesh's development, particularly in areas of healthcare, gender equality, and climate actions.

Recalling the heroic role of Bangladeshi youths in the July-August revolution against the discrimination, he said they are the main force to fight for the future world.  They can make an effective contribution to spread the knowledge and create awareness about the SRHR among the people to build a world ensuring safe sexual life, reducing health risks, Woudstra added.

Chairperson of the Share-Net in Bangladesh (SNBD) Steering Committee Dr Halida Akhter Hanum chaired the inaugural function while SNBD Project Director and Managing Director of RedOrange Communication Arnob Chakrabarty delivered the welcome address. Bangladesh Medical Students' Society (BMSS) Vice-President for Sexual Affairs Aftekhar Ahmed Sakib presented the keynote paper on the theme. 

Government officials, SRHR experts, university teachers, media professionals, university students and foreign delegates attended the event and shared their knowledge about SRHR for youth and adolescents.  The daylong event was featured with plenary sessions on 'Youth's call to end intimidation and sexual violence', 'Youth friendly market system for sexual and reproductive wellness' and 'Recognizing SRHR as basic human rights' with the participation of youths and students. 

A number of non-government organizations working on SRHR took part in the fair and showcased their activities on creating awareness in this regard. The fair ended with the distribution of the Share-Net Bangladesh SRHR Recognition Award 2024 in three categories for those who have contributed to the SRHR field for years. 

The 'Lifetime Achievement Recognition' was given to Dr Yasmin Hemayet Ahmed, an independent consultant, the 'Community Award' was given to Julia Ahmed, an independent consultant and the 'Youth Award ' was given to Tajkia Mariam Jahan, Executive Board Member of SERAC Bangladesh.