On 10 August 2026, RHSTEP’s Unlocking Youth Potential (UYP) Project organized a participatory awareness and advocacy program titled “Ensure Active Participation of Marginalized Groups in Health and SRHR Dialogues and Actions” at the Aparajeyo Tarunno Office, Upashahar, Rajshahi. The initiative aimed to promote the active participation of marginalized communities in discussions and actions related to health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

The program was chaired by Dipti Sorkar, Project Officer, RHSTEP–UYP, and moderated by Md. Faridul Islam, Youth Officer, RHSTEP–UYP. The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Raju Ahmed, Medical Officer, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, and Rabindranath Dwar, Assistant Teacher, Saint Louis School.

The program began with an engaging ice-breaking activity that encouraged participants to connect and actively engage with the discussions. In her opening remarks, Dipti Sorkar emphasized that awareness is not simply about acquiring information; rather, it is the foundation for understanding one’s rights, raising one’s voice and participating in positive social change.

Md. Faridul Islam discussed the challenges faced by marginalized communities, including inequality in accessing healthcare, and highlighted the importance of their meaningful participation in health and SRHR-related discussions and activities.

Dr. Raju Ahmed focused on adolescent health and emphasized the importance of proper nutrition, balanced diets and healthy eating habits for the healthy growth and development of young people. Rabindranath Dwar highlighted the shared responsibility of communities and young people in promoting health awareness and advancing understanding of SRHR.

A key feature of the program was a group-based interactive activity, where participants were divided into four teams and asked to prepare a balanced food plate. Each group then presented the nutritional value and health benefits of different food components. The activity provided participants with a practical and engaging way to understand balanced nutrition and healthy food choices.

In her closing remarks, Dipti Sorkar thanked the participants for their active engagement and encouraged them to contribute within their respective communities to increase awareness, inclusion and participation around health and SRHR issues.

The program helped strengthen participants’ understanding of health, nutrition, SRHR, inclusion and the rights of marginalized communities, while highlighting the importance of participatory advocacy. Through interactive learning and open discussion, participants were encouraged to become more informed and active contributors to health and SRHR initiatives within their communities.

Through such initiatives, RHSTEP continues to promote inclusive participation and empower young people and marginalized communities to engage meaningfully in health, SRHR and social advocacy.