On 11 August 2026, RHSTEP’s Aparajeyo Tarunno (Unlocking Youth Potential – UYP) Project, Rangpur organized “Health and SRHR Awareness and Hands-on Sanitary Pad Making Workshop-04” at the RHSTEP–UYP Project seminar room in Rangpur. The workshop aimed to increase awareness of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), menstrual health management and safe health practices.

The workshop was organized under the theme “Health and SRHR Ensure Health Rights; Equal Participation for All Brings Sustainable Change.” Participants included adolescents, young women and men, students, parents and community representatives from different project communities and educational institutions, including Dharmadas Kutipara, Fatepur Nayapara, the North Sheikhpara Oraon community and Afanullah High School.

The SRHR session was facilitated by Md. Manzur Hossain, SACMO, Mominpur Union Health and Family Welfare Centre, Rangpur. He discussed important issues including physical and psychological changes during adolescence, women’s health, menstruation, reproductive health, HPV vaccination and access to essential healthcare services.

The session emphasized the importance of providing adolescents with accurate information about the physical and psychological changes associated with puberty. Participants were also encouraged to become more aware of their own health and understand when and how to seek advice from trained healthcare providers.

The second part of the workshop focused on hands-on training in reusable sanitary pad making. Shahnaz Parvin, Self-Employment Secretary, Innovative Youth Organization, Rangpur, facilitated the practical session. Participants learned about selecting suitable fabric, taking measurements, cutting, preparing layers, sewing, and the proper use and storage of reusable sanitary pads. They also had the opportunity to make sanitary pads themselves as part of the practical exercise.

The session highlighted how learning to make reusable sanitary pads can help women meet their menstrual health needs, reduce household expenses and contribute to reducing environmental pollution. Participants also discussed menstrual health management, personal hygiene, gender equality, inclusive participation, and common misconceptions and social taboos surrounding menstruation.

In his closing remarks, Animesh Roy, Project Officer, emphasized that the objective of the workshop was not limited to providing one-day training. Rather, the initiative aimed to develop participants as Change Agents who can share accurate information on health and SRHR within their families, educational institutions and communities.

Md. Manzur Hossain and Shahnaz Parvin attended the workshop as distinguished guests and facilitators. Project Officer Animesh Roy, Youth Officer Swarnali Acharya, mentors and youth advocates were also present and provided overall support to the program.

Through this initiative, RHSTEP’s Aparajeyo Tarunno promoted practical knowledge and awareness around SRHR, menstrual health, personal hygiene, reproductive health and health rights, while encouraging young people and community members to take an active role in spreading accurate information and promoting healthier, more inclusive communities.