GAC representative visited field activities of Mukti Cox’s Bazar

Joe McIntosh, Development Officer, High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh visited the progress of the activities of Mukti Cox's Bazar on 11 March 2024. During the visit, he wanted to know from the religious and social leaders about their experience of involvement with the project. He further inquired how they were presenting the project in the society and what was the reflection among the people in the society. During the discussion, the religious leaders shared that they got to know more about the changes in adolescent age about which they had a misconception. Most importantly, they learned that the changes are not a bad thing. After the involvement in the project, they gained understanding of how gender-based violence affects women, the responsibilities of men to prevent gender-based violence and so on. Religious leaders also said that they deliver these messages during Khutba, in religious discussions in the mosques, and in madrasas. They also said that they had shared those issues on an online platform for Imams’ groups in Cox's Bazar district, where all Imams take part. They also discuss the awareness messages about giving proper time and support to the adolescent girls during the adolescent period. Talking about the challenges, the religious leaders said, "We have said those issues in line with the holy Qur’an. These things are clearly stated in the holy Qur’an which no one will dispute. Since we have presented the topics in the light of the Qur'an, everyone has understood easily and accepted it.”  After talking to the religious leaders, the visitor visited the Union Health and Family Welfare Center of Rajarkul union of Ramu Upazila, talked to the working officer about the contribution of the LEAP project and whether any further cooperation was needed from the project.