RHRN Youth Festival celebrates youth empowerment and collective action

BRAC’s Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Programme (SELP) hosted a "Right Here Right Now (RHRN)" Youth Festival on Wednesday (December 18) at Aloki in Tejgaon, Dhaka, according to a media statement.

The event, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and Rutgers International, brought together 350 participants, including young people, organisations, and stakeholders, to promote gender justice, equality, and the transformative role of youth in social change.

The festival featured a variety of activities, including video competitions, TED-style talks, workshops, and exhibitions. Youth coalition members presented impactful videos addressing societal issues, with top entries receiving awards.

Key speakers included Dr Elvina Mustary, Deputy Director at RHSTEP, and KAM Morshed, Senior Director of BRAC, who emphasised the importance of youth leadership in driving social change. "Young people are not just the future; they are the driving force of the present," Dr Mustary said.

A key highlight of the festival was a panel discussion focused on reclaiming safety for women and girls in public spaces. The panel, moderated by Shashwatee Biplob, featured diverse youth voices alongside government and NGO stakeholders, fostering meaningful dialogue on the challenges faced by young people and pathways towards a more inclusive society.

The event also featured workshops on digital advocacy, self-defence, and emotional well-being.

Stalls by youth-led organisations showcased creativity and social initiatives, including "Jotner Dokan," a project featuring crafts by artisans with disabilities, and "Moner Bondhu," which aimed to destigmatise mental health issues.

The festival concluded with cultural performances and a renewed call for sustained efforts toward youth empowerment and gender justice, reinforcing BRAC’s commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable future.

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.