On 14 July 2026, RHSTEP’s Unlocking Youth Potential (UYP) Khulna Centre organized a day-long workshop titled “Implement Programs to Empower Young Women and Engage Youth with Disabilities in Health Reform Efforts-01.” The workshop aimed to strengthen awareness and participation among young people, particularly young women and youth with disabilities, in health reform and decision-making processes.

A total of 10 young participants and one youth with a disability from the Khalishpur New Colony, Bastuhara, and Maheshwarpasha communities of Khulna participated in the workshop. Through a series of interactive and participatory sessions, participants explored issues including women’s empowerment, joint decision-making within families, economic self-reliance, freedom of expression, gender equality, and the meaningful engagement of young people and persons with disabilities in health reform efforts.

The workshop was facilitated by Selina Akter, Thana Family Planning Officer, Family Planning Office, Khulna Sadar. In her discussion, she emphasized that women’s empowerment is not limited to women’s individual development; rather, it is a fundamental prerequisite for building healthy, informed, and equitable families and communities. She also highlighted the importance of shared decision-making between women and men within families in promoting better health outcomes and broader social development.

As a special guest, M. M. Ismail Hossain, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Government Brajalal College, Khulna, emphasized the importance of equality, mutual respect, and participatory decision-making in building a humane and inclusive society. He noted that initiatives of this nature can play an important role in encouraging young people to become active contributors to positive social change.

The workshop adopted a highly participatory learning approach. Participants engaged in story-based discussions, group analysis, presentation competitions, open discussions, experience sharing, and other interactive activities. These sessions encouraged participants to reflect on existing social norms, identify barriers to equal participation, and explore practical ways to strengthen the role of young women and youth with disabilities in health and social development.

The presentation competition provided participants with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the topics discussed and communicate their ideas creatively. The winning team was recognized with prizes, encouraging greater participation and teamwork among the young participants.

At the conclusion of the workshop, gifts were distributed among all participants as a token of appreciation for their active engagement. The program ended with a group photograph, marking the successful completion of a day of learning, dialogue, collaboration, and youth empowerment.

Through such initiatives, RHSTEP’s Unlocking Youth Potential (UYP) project continues to promote gender equality, disability inclusion, youth participation, and rights-based approaches to health reform, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society