shujog: advancing SRHR equity for incarcerated women in bangladesh through menstrual health access, education and skills training
1
Department of Math and Natural science, Brac University, Brac University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
bangladesh’s prison system operates at over 125% capacity, with women comprising approximately 3.9% of the incarcerated population. despite their small proportion, incarcerated women face severe neglect in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including lack of menstrual hygiene products, limited access to prenatal and postnatal care and absence of confidential gender-based violence (GBV) reporting mechanisms. these conditions violate fundamental human rights and public health standards. shujog is a youth-led, rights-based initiative designed to restore dignity and health equity among incarcerated women.
METHODS:
from june 2026 to december 2026, shujog will be implemented across three correctional facilities using a participatory action research approach. a baseline needs assessment will be conducted among 150 incarcerated women through surveys and focus group discussions. intervention components will include distribution of 1000 reusable menstrual kits, sewing and pad-making workshops for 500 inmates, quarterly SRHR health check-ups and co-designed education sessions on menstruation contraception consent and reproductive rights. a confidential GBV reporting and referral system will be established in collaboration with legal and psychosocial support providers.
RESULTS:
secondary analysis of published literature and program reports revealed that incarcerated women in bangladesh commonly lack access to menstrual products gynecological care maternal services and safe GBV reporting pathways. pilot outreach data showed 92% of women lacked clean menstrual supplies and 88% expressed strong interest in SRHR education. preliminary training demonstrated 85% skill retention in pad-making. secondary evidence also suggested approximately 1 in 3 women experienced GBV in detention without safe reporting options. these findings informed intervention design and outcome indicators.
CONCLUSIONS:
shujog demonstrates a feasible rights-based model for improving SRHR among incarcerated women. by combining menstrual dignity health education and vocational training the program promotes inclusion sustainability and resilience.
bangladesh’s prison system operates at over 125% capacity, with women comprising approximately 3.9% of the incarcerated population. despite their small proportion, incarcerated women face severe neglect in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including lack of menstrual hygiene products, limited access to prenatal and postnatal care and absence of confidential gender-based violence (GBV) reporting mechanisms. these conditions violate fundamental human rights and public health standards. shujog is a youth-led, rights-based initiative designed to restore dignity and health equity among incarcerated women.
METHODS:
from june 2026 to december 2026, shujog will be implemented across three correctional facilities using a participatory action research approach. a baseline needs assessment will be conducted among 150 incarcerated women through surveys and focus group discussions. intervention components will include distribution of 1000 reusable menstrual kits, sewing and pad-making workshops for 500 inmates, quarterly SRHR health check-ups and co-designed education sessions on menstruation contraception consent and reproductive rights. a confidential GBV reporting and referral system will be established in collaboration with legal and psychosocial support providers.
RESULTS:
secondary analysis of published literature and program reports revealed that incarcerated women in bangladesh commonly lack access to menstrual products gynecological care maternal services and safe GBV reporting pathways. pilot outreach data showed 92% of women lacked clean menstrual supplies and 88% expressed strong interest in SRHR education. preliminary training demonstrated 85% skill retention in pad-making. secondary evidence also suggested approximately 1 in 3 women experienced GBV in detention without safe reporting options. these findings informed intervention design and outcome indicators.
CONCLUSIONS:
shujog demonstrates a feasible rights-based model for improving SRHR among incarcerated women. by combining menstrual dignity health education and vocational training the program promotes inclusion sustainability and resilience.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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