Adolescents ranging in age from 10 to I9 years constitute a
large population group in the world. They number over one billion and the
number is increasing. Since the International Conference on Population
and Development (ICPD) in Cairo 1994 a radical development has marked
the field of adolescents' reproductive health. Today population studies are
centred more on an individual's rights, needs. and ambitions than on
demographic targets. The present paper is an attempt to study the socio-
cultural and gender aspects of adolescents' reproductive health in
Bangladesh from a process-context approach. This means that the
adolescents reproductive health behavior is seen as the outcome of
process involving a series of individual decisions and actions occurring
within social, economic, ecological. cultural and political contexts.
Therefore, the needs and aspirations of adolescents are not only determined
by biological and behavioral factors, but through socio-cultural and
gender attitudes. Culture specific researches, policies, and programs can
help adolescents to meet their fresh demands, flourish their innovative
ideas, thoughts and equip then: with the kind of education, shifts, and
outlook they need in a changing environment.
