Bhola, August 18, 2026:
A day-long Innovation Lab was held in Bhola to engage young people in promoting gender equality, challenging harmful gender stereotypes, and preventing violence against women and children.
The event was organized by Lal Sabuj Society with the support of Plan International Bangladesh under the Space to Lead project. The Innovation Lab was held on August 18, 2026, at Hotel Grand Holiday in Bhola.
A total of 25 young people aged between 18 and 24 from different areas of Bhola Sadar participated in the workshop. The sessions focused on gender equality, gender stereotypes, gender-based discrimination, and the prevention of violence against women and children.
The workshop created an interactive and participatory learning environment where participants took part in group activities, discussions, games, reflection exercises, and presentations. Through these activities, they explored how harmful gender stereotypes and discriminatory social norms can contribute to inequality and violence within families and communities.
The session was facilitated by Sanjida Ahmed, GDIV Advisor, Plan International Bangladesh. During the session, participants discussed the different forms of gender-based discrimination and violence and explored how young people can play an active role in creating positive change in their families and communities.
Azizun Nahar Tama, Programme Coordinator of Lal Sabuj Society, said that ensuring the safety and protection of women and children cannot be the responsibility of women alone.
“We believe that men and young people need to be actively engaged in advocacy, awareness-building, and action-oriented initiatives to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women and children. This is why we organized this activity,” she said.
She further added that the 25 young participants will take various initiatives across Bhola over the next two years, focusing on gender equality, violence prevention, and positive social change.
The organizers 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 to promote safer and more equitable communities in Bhola.