25 youths join gender equality innovation lab in Bhola

A day-long Innovation Lab was held in Bhola to engage young people in promoting gender equality, challenging gender stereotypes, and preventing violence against women and children.

The event was organised by LalSabuj Society with the support of Plan International Bangladesh under the Space to Lead project at Hotel Grand Holiday in Bhola on Tuesday.

A total of 25 young people aged 18 to 24 from different areas of Bhola Sadar participated in the workshop. The sessions focused on gender equality, gender stereotypes, and the prevention of violence against women and children.

Participants also took part in group activities, discussions, games, and presentations designed to encourage active participation and reflection.

The session was facilitated by Sanjida Ahmed, GDIV Advisor at Plan International Bangladesh. The participants explored gender-based discrimination and violence and discussed how they could contribute to creating positive change within their families and communities.

Azizun Nahar Tama, Programme Coordinator of LalSabuj Society, said, “We believe that ensuring the safety of women cannot be the responsibility of women alone. Men and young people need to be engaged so that they can take an active role in advocacy, awareness-building, and action-oriented initiatives on gender equality and the protection of women and children. This is why we organized this activity.”

She added that the 25 young participants would take various initiatives across Bhola over the next two years, focusing on gender equality, violence prevention, and positive social change in their families and communities.

The organisers emphasized that the initiative aims not only to raise awareness among young people but also to empower them to take leadership roles in creating meaningful change at the community level.

Over the next two years, the participants will work as young change-makers, taking forward initiatives to promote safer and more equitable communities in Bhola.