On 16 August 2026, Aparajeyo Tarunno (UYP), Rangpur organized a “Dialogue and Participation Initiative on Ensuring the Participation of Marginalized Communities in Health and SRHR Discussions and Activities” at the RHSTEP seminar room in Rangpur. The initiative aimed to increase awareness among marginalized communities about health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and encourage their active participation in accessing and shaping healthcare services.

The session focused on key barriers faced by marginalized communities in accessing health and SRHR services, their right to healthcare, and the roles of government and non-government organizations in addressing these challenges.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Khandaker Shamsul Alam, Assistant Director, Directorate General of Family Planning, Rangpur Division, highlighted the importance of increasing awareness among marginalized communities about family planning, reproductive health, and reproductive health rights. He also discussed where people can access essential healthcare and family planning services and explained the types of services available through the government family planning system.

The discussion identified several barriers to healthcare access, including poverty, lack of awareness, social stigma and misconceptions, discrimination, inadequate disability-friendly infrastructure, and limited access to essential health and SRHR services.

Following the discussion, a participatory workshop was conducted with representatives from different communities. Participants identified health and SRHR-related challenges within their respective communities and proposed potential solutions. They also discussed and presented the roles they could play in implementing these solutions, alongside the responsibilities of government stakeholders.

The event was chaired by Animesh Roy, Project Officer, Aparajeyo Tarunno (UYP Project), Rangpur, and facilitated by Swarnali Acharya, Youth Officer.