BRAC Studies: SRHR of PWDS and Male Youth in Banqladesh Every individual, both male and female, has the right to make their own choices regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The issue of inclusive SRHR has been reflected across many of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDGs 3, 4 and 5. However, evidence shows that SRHR aspects of male youth are traditionally ignored, even more for persons with disabilities (PWDs). This picture is not very different in Bangladesh. There is a lack of research and data relevant to SRHR knowledge, perceptions and practices of PWDs and male youth in Bangladesh. As a result, SRH sufferings of the vulnerable groups and ways to reach them and provide adequate and appropriate services to improve their SRHR situation is largely unknown. There is also a shortage of evidence regarding the barriers and bottlenecks of ensuring proper implementation of laws and policies relevant to SRHR. All the evidence points towards the fact that there are no comprehensive studies available that illustrate a holistic picture of PWDs and/or male youth and their SRHR needs, perceptions, and gaps and challenges in programs and policies. Contemplating the significance of the issue, the “SRHR of PWDs and Male Youth in Bangladesh” research studies is being funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and implemented by BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health (BRAC JPGSPH), BRAC University. The ‘SRHR of persons with disabilities (PWDs) Project’ has the following objectives: • Objective 1- To understand SRHR needs, knowledge about SRHR, SRH sufferings, perceptions around sex and sexuality and barriers in accessing SRH services for PWDs in Bangladesh through primary research • Objective 2- Secondary review of existing interventions and/or services relevant to SRHR of PWDs, identify gaps in currently implementing interventions and/or services, and recommend strategies to improve delivery of interventions and/or services • Objective 3- Review existing laws and policies relevant to SRHR and disability in Bangladesh and explore barriers to implementation of laws and policies and recommend strategies for improvement. The ‘SRHR of Male Youth Project’ has the following objectives: • Objective 1 - Identify SRHR needs, knowledge, perceptions of male youth in Bangladesh • Objective 2 - Review the existing SRHR interventions for male youth and identify the gaps and challenges to improve SRHR interventions and/or services. • Objective 3 - Review existing policies regarding SRH for male youth and identify the barriers of implementation in programs and recommendations for policy advocacy. Persons with disabilities and male youth The studies will produce solid evidence on SRHR knowledge, needs, perceptions, beliefs and behaviors of PWDs and male youth along with information on gaps in interventions, required SRH services, and policies. • The evidence generated will be useful in the near future to design appropriate and inclusive SRH programmes and services for the two vulnerable population groups: PWDs and male youth. • Multiple outputs (journal articles, research reports, policy briefs, newspaper articles in Bengali and English, blogs and video documentaries) and dissemination activities (policy dialogues, roundtable discussions, national dissemination events) will encourage national, regional and global debates on ensuring the need for better programmes and policies related to the SRHR of PWDs and male youth in Bangladesh and neighboring countries.