Our Lives Our Health Our Futures (OLHF)
Project Duration: 01 Sep, 2019 - 31 Dec, 2023
Funded by European Union | Simavi
Supported by: Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha (BNPS)
The Our Lives Our Health Our Futures (OLHF) project was implemented by Trinamul Unnayan Sangstha (TUS) from September 2019 to December 2023 with support from EU, SIMAVI–Netherlands, and BNPS. The project covered five unions in Dighinala Upazila of Khagrachari District and aimed to empower adolescent girls and young women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) to live with dignity and without violence. The initiative strengthened local CSO capacity, empowered young women and girls, and improved knowledge and access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), menstrual hygiene management (MHM), and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention.
Major Activities:
- Established 30 girls’ clubs providing regular thematic sessions on gender, relationships, rights, health, and wellbeing.
- Trained 1,200 adolescent girls and young women in making low-cost, handmade reusable sanitary pads.
- Ensured MHM-friendly toilets in 15 high schools and promoted MH knowledge among students and communities.
- Trained female mentors on SRHR, MHM, GBV, facilitation, communication, and psychosocial support.
- Developed advocacy messages and creative projects with girls’ clubs addressing issues like early marriage, gender equality, and reproductive health.
- Engaged 3,600 parents, brothers, and community leaders in awareness sessions on SRHR, MHM, and GBV.
- Trained health service providers and GBV focal points on AAAQ principles and women-friendly services.
- Advocated at local and national levels to establish youth-friendly corners in health facilities and promote MHM-friendly school toilets.
At a glance of Our Lives Our Health Our Futures (OLHF)
| Project Name | Our Lives Our Health Our Futures (OLHF) |
| Implementing Organisation | Trinamul Unnayan Sangstha (TUS) |
| Donor | EU, SIMAVI–Netherlands, BNPS |
| Total Budget | BDT 26,170,566 |
| Staff | Nine (Male – 5, Female – 4) |
| Duration | September 2019 – December 2023 |
| Working Area | 5 Unions in Dighinala Upazila of Khagrachari District |
| Participants |
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| Project Purpose | Empowering adolescent girls and women in the CHT to live with dignity and without violence by strengthening local CSOs and supporting girls’ education, health, and rights. |
| Reference Contact Details | Mrs. A.D. Brouwer, Managing Director, Simavi Ms. Janine Bannwart, Programme Officer, Simavi Mrs. Rokeya Kabir, Executive Director, Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha (BNPS) |