On 10 August 2026, RHSTEP’s Aparajeyo Tarunno (Unlocking Youth Potential – UYP) Project organized a program titled “Implement Programs to Empower Young and Engage Youth with Disabilities in Health Reform Efforts”, focusing on women’s empowerment, decision-making rights and meaningful participation in society.

The program was introduced by Mohammad Abu Raihan, Project Manager, through a welcome address. In the introductory session, Aktanin Khayer Tanin, Senior Program Officer, provided participants with an overview of the broader meaning of women’s empowerment in Bangladesh and the global context, including emerging opportunities and challenges for women’s empowerment in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

The main session was facilitated by Ferdousi Rita, environmental and human rights activist, who conducted an interactive and participatory discussion on social perceptions and commonly held beliefs surrounding women. Through creative activities, participants explored how social norms and assumptions can influence women’s opportunities, choices and participation.

The discussion focused particularly on women’s decision-making power within the family, barriers that prevent women from pursuing their dreams and aspirations, and the potential use of AI as a tool for women’s empowerment. Participants exchanged their views and experiences while exploring ways to challenge restrictive social attitudes and create greater opportunities for women and girls.

Around 20 adolescents from the Mironjhilla and Korail communities, along with UYP mentors and advocates, participated in the program. Their involvement created an opportunity for young people to reflect on gender equality, empowerment and inclusive participation from the perspective of their own communities.

The overall coordination and supervision of the program was led by Suraiya Jannat Sumi, Communication Officer, Aparajeyo Tarunno.

The program emphasized that self-reliance, the right to participate in decision-making and active participation in society are central to meaningful women’s empowerment. By encouraging young people to question social barriers, recognize women’s rights and explore emerging tools such as AI, the initiative contributed to strengthening awareness around gender equality and inclusive social participation.

Through such participatory initiatives, RHSTEP continues to engage young people in discussions on empowerment, equality and social change, while encouraging them to become active contributors to a more inclusive and equitable society.