Theme: Sexual and reproductive health and pleasure

  • Landscape Study on MHM Products and Comparative Analysis on Feasibility and Acceptability of MHM Products in Bangladesh, 2024

    WaterAid Bangladesh commissioned two complementary studies to examine the landscape of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) products across the country. Conducted in partnership with Innovision Consulting, Bonhishikha and with support from Vinnova, this research combined a broad market landscape analysis with a comparative study focused on low-income communities. The goal was to understand the availability, affordability, and acceptability of both conventional menstrual products (such as disposable pads and cloth) and newer alternatives (like reusable pads and menstrual cups), and to identify culturally appropriate, sustainable solutions to Bangladesh’s menstrual health challenges.


    What we found:
    The studies revealed critical gaps in MHM product access and use in Bangladesh. About 71% of women have used disposable sanitary pads in recent months, yet high costs force many to continue relying on cloth – 91% of women in the poorest communities still use cloth primarily because it is virtually free. Availability of affordable, good-quality products remains uneven, especially in rural areas. Even though Bangladesh has removed value-added tax on locally made sanitary pads, prices remain high due to import-dependent raw materials. Awareness of sustainable alternatives is very low among users: only 27% of respondents had heard of reusable pads and just 13% knew of menstrual cups, leading to negligible uptake of these more eco-friendly, low-cost options. Deep-rooted cultural stigma and misinformation around menstruation continue to impede progress – 77% of women still face barriers to obtaining menstrual products because of societal taboos, economic challenges, and a lack of proper facilities in schools and workplaces. This poor support infrastructure, including insufficient washrooms and disposal bins, means that even when disposable pads are used, they are often discarded unsafely, adding to environmental waste. To address these issues, the studies recommend concerted action from government and partners: subsidising menstrual products or capping prices to improve affordability, supporting local manufacturing of low-cost biodegradable pads, and promoting reusable products through education and distribution campaigns.

  • External Evaluation of Girls Not Brides’ Learning Work, 2020-2023

    External Evaluation of Girls Not Brides’ Learning Work, 2020-2023

    Bonhishikha conducted an external evaluation of the Girls Not Brides’ learning initiatives from 2020-2023, examining how effectively the organisation’s resources have supported advocacy against child marriage worldwide. Our findings acknowledged the high relevance and quality of these resources but noted areas for improvement, such as enhanced regional engagement and more context-specific materials. This evaluation showcases our expertise in evidence-based evaluations that provide actionable insights for impactful change.


    What we found:
    The evaluation reveals that Girls Not Brides’ learning initiatives are highly relevant, of high quality, and valuable to member organisations, effectively supporting evidence-based advocacy and programming to end child marriage. However, there is a need to enhance regional and local engagement, increase accessibility for diverse users, and provide more context-specific, action-oriented learning products.

  • Gender, Age and Inclusion Analysis in the Families of Sponsored Children to Understand Existing Inequalities, Underlying Reasons and Its Effect on Sponsor Children, Adolescents, Youth and Their Families

    Bonhishikha, in partnership with Plan International Bangladesh, conducted a Gender, Age, and Inclusion Analysis to understand existing inequalities within families of sponsored children and their impact on children, adolescents, and youth. The study covered Kurigram, Bhola, and Dhaka, exploring gender and age-based integration across three thematic areas: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Skills and Opportunities for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (SOYEE), and Child and Youth Leadership.


    What We Found:
    Findings revealed persistent gender and social inequalities influenced by religion, poverty, and social norms. Girls’ access to education and leadership opportunities is limited by early marriage and patriarchal decision-making, where male family members dominate authority. Sexual and gender-based violence, harassment, and stigma further restrict girls’ mobility and self-esteem, particularly after marriage. The study underscores the need for inclusive, gender-transformative programming to strengthen children’s and adolescents’ agency within families and communities.

  • It’s a SHE Thing

    It’s a SHE Thing

    A collection of stories from women in Dhaka and around about their experiences of facing challenges and overcoming them throughout their lives, to be able to have agency and the right to live fulfilling lives. The show covered issues on stereotypes, sexual and physical violence, sexuality and pleasure, challenging norms, breaking taboo topics, among others.

  • Spectrum of Choice

    In 2020, Bonhishikha released ‘Spectrum of Choice’. The production aimed to promote ideas of choice and diversity in terms of gender expression and identities, love and relationships, challenging the norms about topics that are rarely explored within the context of Bangladesh. The group adapted to the pandemic by producing the show from their homes, and screening it online for a global audience. The show was also picked up by the Futures Festival 2020 to be one of their panels.

  • Scenic Reading of Kristo Sagor’s ‘Ich Liebe Diche’

    A Scenic reading of Kristo Sagor’s ‘Ich Liebe Diche’ in Bangla was translated, performed and directed by Bonhishikha, followed by a panel discussion. The play looks at Who loves whom – and why? What does love mean, and what is the opposite of love? What is the difference between ‘I love you’ and ‘I love you’? Does adult love pass as quickly as love for lemon ice cream or chestnuts or a guinea pig? An entertaining and educationally valuable play that deals with the topic of ‘love’ and questioning what lasts.

  • No Shame In My Pleasure

    No Shame In My Pleasure

    Bonhishikha launched the ‘No Shame in my Pleasure’ campaign to challenge the shame and guilt women face in prioritising their own pleasure. This campaign celebrates all forms of pleasure: from the simple joys like evening strolls to the more deeper, personal desires of women.

    Recognising the pressure women feel to prioritise others over themselves, we explored how pleasure has been politicised. Inspired by Adrienne Marie Brown’s view of pleasure as “happiness, joy, contentment, and satisfaction,” we collected and shared stories from women of all backgrounds in an engaging audio-visual series on social media. The campaign therefore aimed to normalise conversations around pleasure, reclaiming it as essential to wellbeing, sexuality, and equality.

  • Organisational Workshops on GBV, Policies and Feminist Leadership Building

    Organisational Workshops on GBV, Policies and Feminist Leadership Building

    In 2020, Bonhishikha developed a Training of Trainers module for UN Women in Bangladesh on Preventing Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority and carried out virtual training sessions for all gender focal points at UN agencies in Bangladesh . The module development was a consultancy for UN Women, where the needs assessment and module development took place over the course of 2020. The online training sessions were conducted in December 2020. 

    In March 2020, Bonhishikha in collaboration with Leaping Boundaries conducted training sessions with teachers from different Madrasas (Islamic schools) from Dhaka. The sessions focused on, highlighting the need for Sexual Harassment Policies in all educational institutions.

    In 2024, Bonhishikha conducted needs assessments, reviewed existing knowledge, and compiled a comprehensive module on building feminist leadership for PIB staff. The module focused on understanding power dynamics, diverse identities, inclusion, feminist principles, and fostering a culture of care within organisations. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, promote self-awareness, and challenge both institutional and personal biases related to gender equality, ultimately creating a truly inclusive and transformative work environment.