The Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) set up an Adolescent Reproductive Health Education (ARHE) programme in 1995, to provide reproductive health knowledge to adolescents in rural areas. New ideas and information are breaking the silence and shame about ‘sensitive’ topics, and proving a positive influence on the relationships between adolescents and their parents, teachers, and amongst adolescents themselves.

This article explores the effects of the ARHE programme on adolescent girls and boys, their parents, and community members; discusses the perceptions and concerns of adolescents as they face many psychological, social and cultural changes; and explores the various factors influencing community acceptance of the programme. It draws on research into the impact of the programme in Nilphamari district, one of the first districts where the programme was set up. The field research was carried out in during mid-October to November, 1999. The research was carried out in both KK schools and community libraries. Research methods used included focus groups, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews with adolescents, mothers and aunts, teachers, and BRAC programme staff. The semi-structured interviews were carried out privately with individuals, to allow respondents to speak freely on taboo topics. Adolescent boys were interviewed by male researchers and girls by female researchers. We cross-checked data to allow for exaggeration or bias in some of the adolescents’ responses, and the numerous anecdotal stories.

Gender and Development