In the lively town of Cox’s Bazar, surrounded by the stunning scenery of Bangladesh, Rahat Ali Rabbi became a leader in his community. After finishing the CoC Program at Baitush Sharaf Jabbaria Academy, Cox’s Bazar, Rahat set out on a journey that didn’t just teach him new things but also brought good changes to the people he knew.
“Learning about menstruation and its stigmas opened my eyes to the challenges faced by girls and women,” Rahat remarked, reflecting on his journey through the CoC Program.
His journey began with enrollment in the CoC Program, where he participated in sessions dedicated to empowering youth. Among the topics covered, one struck a chord with Rahat – myths regarding gender and sexuality, as well as menstrual health management (MHM). Equipped with knowledge and empathy, Rahat realized the significant influence of cultural norms on the well-being of women and girls, particularly during religious occasions like Ramadan.
Driven by a steadfast commitment to challenge societal norms, Rahat embarked on a mission to foster empathy and understanding within his community. “We needed to break the silence and confront the stigma head-on,” he asserted. Through dialogues and discussions, Rahat sought to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation. “It’s essential to educate everyone, especially boys and men, about the realities of menstruation,” Rahat emphasized.
During Ramadan, Rahat observed a troubling trend – girls experiencing humiliation and embarrassment when questioned about their inability to fast due to menstruation. Determined to address this issue, Rahat took decisive action. “We must respect women’s privacy and refrain from intrusive questioning,” he urged. He sensitized young boys and his friends about the importance of respecting women’s privacy and refraining from intrusive questioning during sensitive times.
Today, Rahat stands as a beacon of youth empowerment and advocate for gender equality. “Empowering girls and women benefits everyone in society,” he asserted passionately.
As we celebrate Rahat’s remarkable journey, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to UNFPA. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in empowering youth like Rahat to drive change and break the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Together, let us continue striving for a world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of gender or biological processes.
