A event was held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka to monitor the impact of the Gender Equity Movement in Schools (GEMS) program, an initiative spearheaded by Plan International Bangladesh in collaboration with the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Bangladesh (DSHE).
The event featured a presentation of qualitative evaluation research results, highlighting the program's effectiveness.
Professor Nehal Ahmed, Director General (Grade-1) of DSHE, attended as the chief guest. The event was also graced by Prof. Md. Moshiuzzaman, Chairman (Routine Duties) of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board; Professor Dr. AQM Shafiul Azam, Director (Planning & Development) DSHE; Prof. ABM Rezaul Karim, Director College and Admin, DSHE; Dr. Prabir Kumar Bhattacharjee, Director of Training, DSHE; and Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh. Jolly Nur Haque, Director of Program Development & Learning at Plan International Bangladesh, opened the event with a welcome speech.
Officials from various organizations including UNFPA, World Bank, UNICEF, CARE Bangladesh, Save the Children, Sajida Foundation, Radda, and RDF were present. Syed Md. Nuruddin, LEAD-SRHR (Interim) of Plan International Bangladesh, facilitated the event, with research findings presented by Kamrul Hasan Shawon, Research and Knowledge Management Specialist of Plan International Bangladesh.
Since 2013, Plan International Bangladesh and DSHE have collaborated closely on the Generation Breakthrough project, which includes the GEMS curriculum. The curriculum, contextualized by Plan International Bangladesh under a UNFPA project, aims to promote gender equity and violence prevention in schools.
Professor Nehal Ahmed emphasized the need for early cognitive development interventions to make significant positive changes in adolescents' lives. He called for a strong, collaborative effort to implement the GEMS curriculum efficiently in schools.
Prof. Md. Moshiuzzaman reflected on the progress made over the past decade, highlighting the impactful achievements of the GEMS curriculum thanks to Plan International Bangladesh's dedicated efforts.
Professor Dr. AQM Shafiul Azam praised Plan International Bangladesh for its effective educational support activities with DSHE, noting the potential for further collaboration based on the research findings.
Kabita Bose acknowledged the crucial role of government officials and partner organizations in mobilizing young people regarding their SRHR rights. She reaffirmed Plan's commitment to working alongside the government to achieve collective goals.
The assessment results showcased areas for increased collaboration to enhance adolescents' well-being, particularly in life skills related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Plan International Bangladesh currently implements the GEMS curriculum in 25 Upazilas across seven districts and three divisions (Rangpur, Barisal, and Dhaka), encompassing 1004 secondary schools and madrasas, with 3969 trained teachers and 1003 adolescent corners established.
Plan International Bangladesh, in collaboration with DSHE, conducts Master Trainers Training, supports teachers at national and divisional levels, ensures quality assurance, develops gender-responsive inclusive pedagogy, and rolls out a psychosocial counseling module for teachers. These efforts are aimed at fostering a gender-transformative, inclusive cultural shift among adolescents and youth, contributing to national outcomes related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).