Department of Business Economics and Research Cell, H. R. College, University of Mumbai, India

Shonglap means dialogue. It is a one year program to develop lives and livelihoods of adolescent girls. Shonglapprogram increased education, life skills, and income generation activities of adolescent girls of Ukhiya and Teknaf sub-districts, religiously conservative communities, in Bangladesh. It improved knowledge about personal cleanliness, menstruation management, HIV/AIDS, water-borne diseases and provided information to reduce health risks, especially in the areas of reproductive health. Adolescent girls advocated with parents, community leaders, and duty bearers should stop early marriage, dowry and protect and promote rights issue. The program increased their employment, mobility and linkage with service providing institutions. Shonglap program was new in these communities. Religious leaders were gateway along with other stakeholders to drive the program. Efforts of adolescent girls gradually break conservativeness. But it is difficult to work out the sustainability of their actions due to only one year project interventions. Such Shonglap program should be continued in these communities for bright and promising future.