RHRN youth festival celebrates youth empowerment and collective action

BRAC's Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Programme (SELP) hosted a vibrant "Right Here Right Now (RHRN)" Youth Festival on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, at Aloki, Tejgaon, Dhaka. Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands, and Rutgers International, a Netherlands-based INGO, the day-long festival brought together hundreds of youths, organisations, and stakeholders to celebrate youth-led initiatives and promote dialogue on gender justice, equality, and the transformative role of young people in driving social change.

The festival, attended by approximately 350 participants, showcased creative expressions and thought-provoking discussions that reflected young people's aspirations and concerns. The event highlighted the power of collective action and the importance of nurturing safe, equitable spaces for youth empowerment.

The day began with an inspiring opening session led by Dr Elvina Mustary, Deputy Director of the Reproductive Health Services Training and Education Programme (RHSTEP), and KAM Morshed, Senior Director of BRAC. The day's activities included video competitions, workshops, TED-style talks, interactive exhibitions, and stalls by young entrepreneurs. Youth coalition members presented powerful videos addressing societal issues, and the best entries received awards.

KAM Morshed, Senior Director at BRAC, highlighted that any significant societal changes, whether large or small, rely on young people's unity and active engagement. These changes can only permeate all levels of society through their dedicated participation. The "Right Here, Right Now" strategy empowers young individuals to take the lead and drive these essential transformations forward.

Dr Elvina Mustary, Deputy Director at RHSTEP, said that young people are not just the future but the driving force of the present. Empowering them with access to accurate information, gender justice, and mental health awareness is essential. She also mentioned that young people can actively shape a just and equitable society by understanding their rights.

Shashwatee Biplob, Associate Director of Social Empowerment and Legal Protection (SELP) at BRAC, said youth are the individuals we look up to for our nation-building. I am delighted and hopeful to see the energy and enthusiasm among today's young people. They are willing to bring about sustainable change, and I firmly believe in their ability.

One of the event's key highlights was a panel discussion on reclaiming safety in public spaces for women and girls, moderated by Shashwatee Biplob. The panel featured diverse youth voices alongside government and NGO stakeholders, encouraging meaningful dialogue on the challenges faced by young people and pathways towards a more inclusive society.

Participants participated in thematic workshops on storytelling, emotional well-being, digital advocacy, and self-defence techniques throughout the day. These sessions equipped attendees with practical skills and valuable insights, empowering them to take on community leadership roles.

The festival also featured artistic displays, graffiti walls, and stalls set up by youth-led organisations, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration. Notable stalls included "Jotner Dokan", an initiative showcasing crafts made by artisans with disabilities. Each product featured a QR code, which, when scanned, revealed a short video about the artisan behind the creation, fostering a meaningful connection between the artisans and buyers.

"Moner Bondhu" focused on destigmatising mental health issues, while "Moner School" addressed various mental health topics. Other highlights included stalls from BRAC's Career Hub, Share-Net, Newton's Archive, Mindala.m, and Artistic Life, each adding unique value to the festival experience.

Cultural performances, including a popular theatre production and a musical segment, added to the festival's celebratory spirit. The day concluded with a renewed call for sustained efforts towards youth engagement and gender justice, reaffirming BRAC's commitment to building a safer, more equitable future for all.

The "Right Here Right Now" initiative, a global strategic partnership operating in ten countries, including Bangladesh, is led by BRAC in collaboration with partner organisations such as Nagorik Uddyog, Naripokkho, Oboyob, RHSTEP, Wreetu, and Youth Policy Forum (YPF). The programme advocates for inclusive societies where young people can exercise their rights and realise their full potential.