In a bid to provide crucial support and uphold the dignity of adolescent girls and young women in Cox’s Bazar, including those in camps 1W, 3, and 4, Plan International Bangladesh has launched a significant initiative under the “Lifting Healthy, Empowered, and Protected Girls and Women in Cox’s Bazar (LEAP) Project.”Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the project focuses on distributing dignity kits to 20,181 adolescent girls and young women in need across the Cox’s Bazar district.

Since its inception in March 2022, the LEAP project has empowered 20,181 girls and young women with dignity kits during the first phase and an additional 12,180 individuals in the second phase. The initiative extends to Cox’s Bazar, Ramu, Ukhiya,and Teknaf upazilas, as well as the three camps (1W, 3, and 4), implemented through local partners PHD, Mukti Cox’s Bazar, SKUS, and Hope Foundation.

These dignity kits, distributed to both adolescent girls and married young women in the Rohingya and host communities, include essential menstrual health and hygiene products such as reusable cloth napkins, soap, and underwear. The provision of these kits underscores the project’s commitment to promoting dignity, health, and empowerment by ensuring access to necessary materials for managing menstrual hygiene safely and with dignity. This effort is expected to lead to improved health outcomes and a reduced risk of infection.

Beyond the distribution of dignity kits, the LEAP project also organizes educational sessions aimed at empowering participants with knowledge on menstrual hygiene management, reproductive health, and gender-based violence awareness. These sessions are integral to the project’s broader mission of enhancing the well-being and rights of young women.
In summary, the distribution of dignity kits to adolescent girls and young women marks a crucial step towards promoting their rights, well-being, and dignity. By providing essential supplies and education, this initiative addresses immediate needs while also contributing to broader efforts to empower and

support these young individuals. Plan International Bangladesh,

in collaboration with its four implementing partners—Mukti Cox’s Bazar, PHD, SKUS, and Hope Foundation—continues to advance the realization of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and protection rights of adolescent girls and young women through the LEAP project in Cox’s Bazar.