Program Justification and Strategic Approach
Context: The Rationale for Intervention
Promoting good health and well-being is a cornerstone of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Bangladesh, where women constitute 50% of the population, inclusive development is impossible if their needs are overlooked. As of 2016, the adolescent population (aged 10–19) stood at 36.09 million (22.5% of the total population) and continues to grow. PBL aims to harness the potential of these young people—particularly girls and women—transforming them into empowered resources capable of leading healthy, productive lives.
Health and Hygiene: Challenges and Interventions
While Bangladesh has improved many health indicators, significant gaps remain in Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). According to research by icddr,b.
- Lack of Awareness: 57% of adolescents and 65% of adult women were uninformed about menstruation before their first experience.
- Hygienic Practices: Approximately 80% of women and girls rely on old cloth for menstrual management; only 15% use sanitary napkins, primarily in urban areas.
- Accessibility: Most women lack direct access to hygiene products and must depend on others to procure them.
- Educational Impact: One in four girls in rural areas misses’ school during their period, with 30% reporting that menstruation negatively interferes with their academic performance.
PBL’s Intervention: We ensure the availability and accessibility of essential hygiene kits—including sanitary napkins, soap, and toilet tissue, razors, and nail cutters— directly to adolescent girls.
Gender-Based Violence and Social Norms
Bangladesh faces one of the highest rates of child marriage globally. The 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) revealed that 59% of women aged 20–24 were married before age 18, and 31% of adolescents (15–19) had already begun childbearing. Patriarchal norms contribute to gender discrimination, domestic violence, and high dropout rates in secondary education. Conversely, these norms also drive men and boys toward risky behaviors, including substance abuse and violence.
PBL’s Intervention:
- Better Life Brigades (BLB): We establish and empower BLBs in schools, comprising students, parents, and teachers. These brigades are trained to report violence and child marriage to the respective Union Parishad to ensure prevention and justice.
- Economic Empowerment: We facilitate income-generation and entrepreneurship training for girls and women.
- Advocacy: We conduct seminars and high-level advocacy with local administrations and authorities.
Adolescent Nutrition and the Demographic Dividend
Adolescence is a critical window for physical growth and a unique opportunity for “catch-up” growth. To reap the “demographic dividend,” Bangladesh requires a healthy, well-nourished workforce. However, the current situation is concerning: 25–27% of adolescent girls are anemic, and 31% of married adolescents (15–19) suffer from under-nutrition (BDHS 2014).
PBL’s Intervention: We promote nutritional security through poultry and duck rearing—encouraging egg consumption for protein while providing a source of income. Additionally, we facilitate access to iron and de-worming supplements.
Geographic Focus and Scalability
PBL prioritizes rural secondary schools and madrasas, specifically targeting female students from woman-headed households and their adjacent communities. Our operational model is scalable to any Upazila, provided funding is secured to support a minimum cluster of eight educational institutions per sub-district.