About the Project
Our Background
Digital technologies have transformed how children and young people learn, communicate, and participate in society. While the internet creates new opportunities for education, creativity, and civic engagement, it also exposes children and youth to risks such as cyberbullying, online harassment, misinformation, hate speech, privacy violations, and online sexual exploitation and abuse (OSEA).
In Bangladesh, increasing internet access has expanded opportunities for young people but has also heightened their exposure to online violence and discrimination. Girls, young women, children with disabilities, and other marginalized groups are particularly vulnerable. Many children and young people also lack the knowledge, skills, and support needed to stay safe online and confidently express their views.
The Speak Up! project was developed to address these challenges by creating a safer, more inclusive digital environment where children and youth can exercise their rights and participate meaningfully in public life.
Project Details
Speak Up! – Empowering CSOs to Protect Children and Youth’s Freedom of Expression by Capitalising on the Opportunities and Addressing the Challenges of the Digital Space in Bangladesh is a multi-year project implemented by Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) in partnership with Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), Breaking the Silence (BTS), and INCIDIN Bangladesh.
The project strengthens the capacity of civil society organizations, empowers children and youth to use digital spaces safely, and promotes policies and practices that protect children’s rights and freedom of expression in both online and offline environments.
To contribute to a safe, inclusive, and enabling environment where children and youth can freely express th eir views, participate in public life, and enjoy their rights in digital spaces without fear of violence, discrimination, or exploitation.
Our Approach
The project adopts a child rights-based, gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred approach.
The project works by:
- Building the capacity of civil society organizations.
- Strengthening community-based child protection systems.
- Equipping children and youth with digital literacy and online safety skills.
- Engaging parents, caregivers, educators, media, private sector actors, and government institutions
- Generating evidence to influence policies and improve institutional responses.
- Promoting meaningful participation of children and youth in advocacy and decision-making.
Thematic Focus
Digital Safety and Digital Literacy
Freedom of Expression
Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSEA)
Online Gender-Based Violence
Child Rights in Digital Spaces
Safe and Inclusive Online Participation
Youth Engagement and Leadership
Policy and Legal Advocacy
Target Groups
Children (12–17 years)
Young people (18–24 years)
Girls and young women
Children with disabilities
Gender-diverse & Marginalized Youth
Parents and caregivers
Teachers & Community leaders
Government institutions
Law enforcement agencies
Civil Society Organizations
Media Professionals
Private Sector
Expected Results
Through the project, we expect to achieve:
- Stronger civil society organizations promoting children's digital rights.
- Increased digital literacy and online safety knowledge among children and youth.
- Greater confidence among young people to express their views safely and responsibly.
- Improved community awareness of online risks and child protection.
- Better coordination among government, civil society, and other stakeholders.
- Stronger policies and institutional mechanisms protecting children and youth online.
- Increased participation of children and youth in advocacy and decision-making.
Project Area
The project is being implemented in selected areas of
Project Duration:
March 2025 – February 2028 (36 months)
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Select a district on the map to see project details.
The Speak Up! project is funded by the European Union and implemented by Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL).
The Speak Up! project is funded by the European Union and implemented by Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL).
Lead implementing organization responsible for overall project management, technical leadership, coordination, quality assurance, monitoring, learning, and donor reporting.
Leads activities related to legal empowerment, human rights, advocacy, and strengthening civil society engagement.
Leads community-based interventions, survivor support, safeguarding, prevention of violence, and awareness raising.
Leads child rights programming, research, policy advocacy, capacity strengthening, and engagement with communities and institutions.
