যৌন প্রজনন স্বাস্থ্য ও অধিকারঃ সমতাই শক্তি
Background of CSO Forum
The Sexual and Reproductive Health and Right (SRHR) ecosystem in Bangladesh demands strong collaboration among diverse stakeholders to achieve sustainable change in policy – practice and the support system. Collective action is needed to challenge discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and advocacy for prioritizing SRHR in the health program of the country.
To enhance SRHR services for women and girls, a national Civil Society Organizations (CSO) forum was established on 31 October 2021.
SRHR ecosystem: The SRHR ecosystem encompasses a comprehensive network of policies, services, and support systems aimed at ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights for all individuals, promoting equitable access to education, healthcare, and legal protections.
INGOs: BRAC, Care Bangladesh, Handicap International, Ipas Bangladesh, Marie Stopes Bangladesh, and Pathfinder International.
National NGOs: Association For Prevention of Septic Abortion, Bangladesh (BAPSA), Bangladesh Women’s Health Coalition (BWHC), Family Planning Association of Bangladesh (FPAB), Narimoitree, Reproductive Health Services Training and Education Program (RHSTEP), Research, Training and Management (RTM) International and SERAC Bangladesh.
Academic/Research Institutions: Department of Population Science, University of Dhaka, James P Grant School of Public Health (JPGSPH), BRAC University and International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b)
Legal Support Organizations: Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) and Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST).
Professional bodies: Bangladesh Midwifery Society and Obstetrical and Gynecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB),
Feminist organizations: Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and Naripokkho .
Convenor – Ipas Bangladesh
Co-Convenor – Obstetrical and Gynecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB), and Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST)
Secretariat – Ipas Bangladesh
Our Core Objectives
- Advocating for repealing laws and practices that are discriminatory to women and girls and limiting their SRHRs.
- Working towards universal access to right-based inclusive SRHR, with a specific focus on menstrual regulation, postabortion care and family planning services.
- Working towards strengthening the health system to ensure access to and availability of right-based quality, respectful, and inclusive SRH services and care that is non-judgmental.
Working Approach
The CSO forum operates with an Inclusive, rights-based, and evidence-based approach that is innovative, women-centered, and actively engages youth, male, and boys.
Milestones of Progress
Since its inception, the CSO forum has achieved several significant milestones that have strengthened the SRHR landscape in Bangladesh.
2021
Formation of the CSO Forum
The CSO forum was established to unite various organizations in a collective effort to advocate for improved SRHR policies and practices in Bangladesh.
2022
Ecosystem Assessment
Conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Sustainable Menstrual Regulation (MR) Ecosystem in Bangladesh, identifying key areas for improvement and collaboration.
2023
Public Interest Litigation
Initiated a groundbreaking Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging discriminatory dormitory provisions against female students in public universities, advocating for equal rights and opportunities.
2024
Public Health Expenditure Discussion
Hosted a pivotal round table discussion on ‘Public Health Expenditure: A Critical Challenge in Ensuring Healthcare in Bangladesh,’ in collaboration with The Daily Star, highlighting the need for increased investment in healthcare.
Core values of CSO Forum
CSO Forum is Social Media
