Getting engaged – for adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights

Amena Akter Shilpi and Bijoy Hossain are two young peer trainers of BAPSA (Bangladesh Association for Prevention of Septic Abortion), both in their teens and are studying in a school in Mirpur. While we talked to them recently we could detect enthusiasm twinkling in their eyes about the work they were doing. They thought it was necessary to engage young trainers to talk about serious issues such as sexual and reproductive health and rights and adolescent reproductive health and rights because, in their words, “ Young people do not feel comfortable to open up before seniors.”  Amena said that even adolescent girls feel shy to talk about these issues with elderly women, including their mothers, but they soon start talking freely with her.

They talk with adolescent boys and girls separately about early marriage, risk of early pregnancy,causes of child and maternal mortality and other adolescent health related issues, which are generally kept hidden from the young generation.

What about boys? Do they also feel shy to talk about sexuality and rights? Bijoy replied, “ Yes, they do feel shy   in the beginning but they gradually overcome their shyness after going through a complete counseling session and they respond very positively in the end. ”

Why do you think such knowledge is important? How will it help them in future? Replying to this, Amena said, “Our objectives are to remove ignorance about adolescent health and rights; help change the attitudes of parents and guardians; help remove misunderstandings about sex and sexual relationship; help make a friendly relationship between parents and their sons and daughters.  Yes, the knowledge will help them in future when they will want to marry. They will not marry a minor girl. They will take care of their wives during pregnancy. They will not have too many children. They will learn the importance of family planning and so on.  So, I think peer training is very useful.” 

We wanted to know the hurdles they face while doing their jobs. “We face challenges both from home and outside the home. Initially our parents' attitude towards us was negative because they thought we might go astray if we would take part in such discourse with other young boys and girls.  But the situation has turned in our favour when parents were invited to some of our meetings.  Now the scenario is totally different when you observe that the young generations are more conscious of their health.

What advice would you like to give adolescents?

Both Amena and Bijoy said, “Please discuss your problems and take advices from the health experts of the nearby health NGOs or clinics. Try to be open-minded to live a better and safe life.

Interview by Sohel Rana.