Staff Reporter:
Ten years ago, Share-Net Bangladesh set out with a bold vision to turn knowledge into a catalyst for transformative change in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
A decade later, that vision has grown into a vibrant, inclusive network that has empowered thousands influenced policies and inspired a movement. Share-Net Bangladesh marked this remarkable journey with a celebration titled “A Decade of SRHR Knowledge Management in Bangladesh,” reaffirming its commitment to building an even stronger, more equitable future on 24 April.
When Share-Net Bangladesh started its journey in Bangladesh a decade ago, the vision was clear to create a space where knowledge could drive meaningful change in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
Ten years later, that vision has blossomed into a dynamic, thriving network with over 2000 individual members and 150+ organisational members that has helped reshape conversations, influence policies, and empower communities across Bangladesh.
This milestone was marked with an event aptly titled “A Decade of SRHR Knowledge Management in Bangladesh”, which was organised by Share-Net Bangladesh and hosted by RedOrange Communications, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands, at Hotel Bengal Blueberry in Dhaka.
But this was not just a ceremony; it was a reflective gathering, a reflection, a moment to take stock, to celebrate collective achievements, and most importantly, to recommit to a future where SRHR rights are fully realised for every individual.
Knowledge alone does not spark change, but knowledge shared, lived, and acted upon does. This philosophy was at the heart of every session during the celebration.
From outcome harvesting discussions to real-time surveys capturing community voices, Share-Net Bangladesh showcased how knowledge management can be participatory, inclusive, and action-oriented.
On behalf of the Share-Net Bangladesh team, the event emcee, Farhana Huq, country coordinator of SNBD, extended heartfelt thanks to its partners, members and contributors whose relentless efforts and shared vision have fuelled a decade of success.
Special recognition was given to the impactful collaborations, community-driven initiatives, and the inspiring stories that have defined SNBD’s journey so far.
Chief Guest Thijs Woudstra, deputy head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, put it best as he highlighted how the Government of the Netherlands is committed to SRHR.
He further focused on the intrinsic link between human rights and SRHR that cannot be overstated. Platforms like Share-Net Bangladesh have proven that knowledge can be a powerful agent for advocacy, dialogue, and transformation.
Over the past decade, Share-Net Bangladesh has become more than just a network; it is a living ecosystem where research, policy, practice, and lived experience intersect to impact real-world solutions.
Jannatul Munia, Knowledge Management Expert, SNBD, in her session on “10 years of Share-Net Bangladesh”, spoke about her personal and professional journey with SNBD and said, “Share-Net Bangladesh has shaped who I am today. It holds immense potential for creating greater impact in the coming years.”
Throughout the event, one theme resonated deeply – community ownership. The live survey session led by Rifa Tamanna and Sajed Karim, both dynamic officers of the SNBD, invited participants to share their visions, hopes and critiques. Voices from across the SRHR spectrum, including youth leaders, researchers and activists, were heard loud and clear.
Halida Hanum Akhter, a long-standing advocate and Chairperson of the event, reflected emotionally: “SRHR has been my life’s journey. Connecting with others who are passionate about this work reaffirms that we are not alone. Together, we are the movement.”
From integrating youth voices to leveraging digital platforms for greater inclusivity, the event highlighted future priorities while celebrating the rich tapestry of contributions from the past.
In an especially moving session, participants worked together to humanise statistics, weaving real-world stories around dry data points. This session reminded everyone that behind every number is a person, a life, and a story that deserves to be told.
Muhammad Munir Hossain, a UNFPA focal person, emphasised the importance of bridging digital divides and using technology to reach wider audiences, ensuring that no one is left behind in the SRHR dialogue.
The event concluded with remarks from Arnob Chakrabarty, Project Director of Share-Net Bangladesh, who issued a heartfelt call to action: “Share-Net will continue in Bangladesh. We are proud of our journey so far, but we are even more excited about the future. Let us commit to deepening our impact, broadening our reach, and nurturing the next generation of SRHR leaders.”
Indeed, as Bangladesh continues to navigate global challenges and opportunities, platforms like Share-Net Bangladesh will remain critical, not just as knowledge brokers but as builders of a more just, inclusive, and healthier future.
A decade ago, Share-Net Bangladesh planted a seed. Today, it stands as a flourishing tree. The task now is to cultivate an even richer forest — one where knowledge, power, and possibility continue to grow, hand in hand.
