Sexual and reproductive health experiences of adolescent girls and women in marginalized communities in Bangladesh
Outcomes: Child, Early, and Forced Marriage, Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Deeply entrenched social and gender norms—such as silence, shame, and taboo around menstruation, sexuality, and pregnancy—significantly constrain women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services in marginalised communities in Bangladesh. Norms discourage open communication, foster misconceptions, and restrict behaviors, particularly during menstruation and pregnancy. These norms reduce girls’ agency, support early marriage, and contribute to unsafe reproductive practices. Changing these norms requires culturally grounded interventions that challenge secrecy and promote informed decision-making and health-seeking behaviors.
Objectives To explore the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) experiences and knowledge of adolescent girls and women from three marginalised communities in rural Bangladesh, with a focus on how social and gender norms shape access to information, decision-making, and health outcomes.
Methods The study used participatory qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews (IDIs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs), complemented by basic quantitative data. A total of 155 participants were recruited from tea garden workers, Khasi ethnic communities, and Haor (wetland) dwellers. Data were analyzed thematically using a socioecological framework that locates gender norms at the intersection of individual, social, institutional, and resource domains.
Results Participants reported widespread misinformation and stigma surrounding menstruation, pregnancy, and abortion. Girls often learned about menstruation only after experiencing it, without guidance from parents or teachers. Menstrual hygiene practices were unhygienic due to shame, affordability issues, and beliefs about evil spirits. Child marriage was common, leading to early pregnancies, often without informed consent or proper care. Contraceptive use was irregular, and abortion was frequently performed in unsafe, informal settings. Across all communities, cultural norms contributed to secrecy, lack of knowledge, and risky reproductive behaviors.
Conclusions Social and gender norms play a central role in shaping the SRH experiences of adolescent girls and women in marginalised Bangladeshi communities. Effective interventions must address these norms directly, promoting open communication, education, and access to safe, affordable healthcare. Community-based and culturally sensitive strategies—such as involving traditional birth attendants, medicine vendors, and local leaders—are essential to improving SRH outcomes and empowering women and girls.
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