Girl Led Research and Action (GLRA) – Phase 3
The Girl Led Research and Action (GLRA) – Phase 3 builds on ActionAid Bangladesh’s proven experience of empowering adolescent girls to lead change in their communities. Following the success of earlier phases implemented in Chanpara, Rupganj, this next phase will be carried out in Mogolhat Union, Lalmonirhat—one of Bangladesh’s most climate-affected and vulnerable districts.
Rather than conducting new research, the project will draw on existing evidence from GLR Phase 1, the Participatory Review and Reflection Process, and lessons from the Prevention of Child Marriage initiative in Kurigram. These insights confirm that girl-led approaches, combined with community engagement, can effectively address gender inequality, reduce stigma, and improve access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
GLRA Phase 3 places adolescent girls at the center of leadership and decision-making. Through Girl Advocates and a Girl Advisory Committee, girls will co-design and implement awareness campaigns, peer learning sessions, and community dialogues. The project will strengthen their leadership, communication, and advocacy skills while fostering collaboration with local women’s rights organizations and youth networks. Adult facilitators will act as mentors, ensuring that girls retain ownership of all actions.
The project will directly engage 400 adolescent girls, support 12 trained Girl Advocates to reach around 1,000 peers, and establish SRHR corners in two academic institutions. It will also promote open dialogue with parents, teachers, religious leaders, and local authorities to reduce stigma around menstruation, SRHR, and early marriage. Digital storytelling and advocacy will further amplify girls’ voices.
By embedding girl-led leadership within existing structures, the project ensures sustainability and long-term impact. It will contribute to building confident, rights-aware adolescent girls who actively shape more inclusive, informed, and supportive communities where girls can thrive.
Project Key Outputs
- 12 trained Girl Advocates equipped with leadership, SRHR knowledge, and advocacy skills
- 400 adolescent girls from 2 academic institutions reached with SRHR, menstrual health, and mental wellbeing knowledge
- 20 peer-led awareness sessions conducted by Girl Advocates, reaching around 1,000 peers and community members
- 2 SRHR corners established and functional in academic institutions, ensuring continuous access to adolescent-friendly information
- 2 community dialogues conducted with parents, teachers, religious leaders, and local authorities to reduce stigma and promote SRHR
- Girl-led awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives designed and implemented within schools and communities
- Digital storytelling content developed by girls for awareness and advocacy purposes
- Strengthened linkages between Girl Advocates, women’s rights organizations, and youth networks for collective advocacy
- Increased engagement of community stakeholders in supporting adolescent SRHR and gender equality
- Endline reflection and learning documentation to capture lessons and inform future programming
