The New Nation - Internet Edition

An Analyst

The history of Sonargaon dates back to thirteenth century. Here one can see how intricately antiquity coincides contemporariness. Newer and smaller unadorned villages now surround the ruins of Panam Nagar, once an ornate capital. This dialectics of new and old in terms of architecture can similarly be found in terms of social relationship too. Keeping in mind the prospect of tourism industry renovation of centuries old structures indispensable for the prosperity of the newer village in the vicinity. However, similarly necessary is the renovation the long-established social norms so that the new generations can grow more prosperously. All these might or might not be the view of MOVAH when it had made Patalipara, a small village at stone-throwing distance from Panam Nagar, as one of its test areas. But what MOVAH is doing here is definitely a kind of social renovation.

MOVAH stands for the 'Movement for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health'. It is a JOICFP-executed, UNFPA-supported Asia Regional Project for the period of 20042007. Its prime purpose is to strengthen national capacity in advocating through youth initiative for increased access of adolescents and youth to Sexual and Reproductive Health information. In simple words it helps the adolescents to ensure their right to information (about sexual and reproductive health) and social practices based on equity and justice. Bangladesh is one of the two countries where MOVAH is set up as a pilot project. A workshop titled MOVAH Regional Dissemination Workshop 2007" is ongoing now. It is as a part of the workshop, some 35 participants from 10 countries and international Organisations have visited Patalipara and discovered many fascinating truths.

When in 2004 MOVAH started its journey in Patalipara many thought the major challenge would be faced from local religious leaders. To many, talking about sexuality, gender, reproductive health or deep-rooted social systems of dowry or early marriage are 'too sensitive' to be appreciated by the religious leaders. However, time has proven this a total misconception. A conservative society like ours where education of sexual and reproductive health is most likely to be considered as a provocation for promiscuity - to the astonishment of many, local Imams, muajjins and kazis have taken the dissemination of these essential knowledge as a part of their service to the society. In Patalipara they have properly utilised their ability, credibility and popularity to motivate the society on these issues. Yes, there was an insistence upon them from the part of authority to take part in the advocacy, but they all are in reality more or less self-motivated. "Religion" says a local religious leader, "is above all for the betterment of humanity", Sadia, a 19 years old village girl complemented, "hujurs are in fact the most hard line campaigners!"

Though support from all ages and all quarters of society is necessary the youth should be at the center of all activity. As, Mr. Md. Obaidur Rahman, the UNO of Sonargaon told, "the untold stories of the youngsters suppressed by the social customs and religious misinterpretation have got the way of being unveiled for each other to solve their own problems by themselves." In Sonargaon, this programme is being implemented by two youth organisations: Patalipara Pathagar and Burundi Nabarun Sangha. Each organisation consists of five youth initiators. Each youth initiator is exclusively trained in the issue of adolescent sexual reproductive health, sexual relation, sexually transmitted diseases, unhygienic abortions, family planning and many other issues like these. Each youth initiator commands over ten peer groups and arranges group meetings twice per months. Initially the youth initiators faced many obstacles from the local people, but as 18 years old Sanjeeda explains, "as important and powerful adults are incorporated people suspicious of the programme have changed their attitude".

Local Support Team is a group of influential people who have the power to motivate the mass as well as lead them towards newer direction. They have mainly motivated the guardians and made them aware of concerning issues. Though physical growth is a personal matter - how it is viewed is totally a matter of social attitude. "Inequality towards a female child is manifested first when she gets less food than her brother of same age" - a male youth initiator expressed. From this point a psychology of inferiority starts to grow inside a male child. Therefore, if to train up minds of the adults is as necessary as to train up the minds of the youth. Therefore the provision of local support team is one of the effective innovations in the framework of MOVAH. "Problems concerning adolescence" as Mr. Saiful Huda, a journalist closely following the project since its inception, said, "cannot be solved individually, rather we need to concentrate more on the social and collective aspect of the problem".

Though its unique approach of "community advocacy" it has been able to bring out positive social changes in terms of ensuring reproductive health, matrimonial health, gender equity as well as preventing unwanted pregnancy, sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases etc.

Ms Makina Rahman Mimi, a youth ambassador of the project shared her experiences in these words: "Girls like me are dying everyday due to pregnancy related complications, becoming the prey of sexual violence, early marriage and so on. I felt from within to fight against all these social evils."

Invoking this "urge within" is one of the advocacy strategies of MOVAH. However, along with the youth the workshop also targets to equip the managers and trainers to deal with concerning issues. It also has an objective to link the national level advocacy with community level ASRH activities. It is through the combined action both at the policy and grassroots level the project aspires success. However, within this universal strategic framework, Mr. Arthur Erken, the representative from UNFPA, insisted on recognising local variations too. As an example he said, "in Bangladesh Movah is unique in its implementation style" - referring to the fact that unlike the other countries where similar programmes are implemented by NGOs, here Bangladesh government has taken the responsibility. It could only happen because the department of youth development has shown us that their strong communities network through almost about 7-8 thousand youth clubs can play a vital role in reaching the youth and adolescents. However, even though the government is allowing and inviting many NGOs to work in this area now. Different ministries like health, education, youth, LGRD etc are incorporating projects working on ASRH agenda. In 2006 the Government of Bangladesh has approved the 'Adolescent Reproductive Health Strategy', which is now in the process of developing the action plan. Still, as Mr. Ismail Hossain, Director General, Department of Youth Development admitted, "we still have a long way to go". The organisers expected that MOVAH will only contribute to make this way shorter.

MOVAH's pilot projects in Bangladesh will end this year. During its operation it has achieved many success, though in a short scale. However, during this time there has been a great increase in the level of awareness about adolescent reproductive and sexual health.

There are many incidents where the community has prevented attempts of early marriage. Occurrences of eve teasing are surprisingly fewer. Though dowry is still present, people have identified it as a mal-practice. So, if in this micro-level achievements can be translated into national success - MOVAH will reach its real destination.

However, in order to accomplish this mission more resource mobilisation is immediately needed. As the workshop ends, Mr. Noor Mohammad, UNFPA's National Project Officer (Youth and Education), has proudly expressed his expectations told, " MOVAH's success in the pilot projects will not only pave the way for a comprehensive national level programme, but also positively inspire many other countries to replicate it."