In Bicol, Philippines, three extraordinary women, Caroline, Sthephanie, and Janella who are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and paving the way for a future where young girls are safe, empowered, and free from discrimination. Their stories, though distinct, are woven together by a common cause: to protect, uplift, and inspire the next generation.
Caroline: the superwoman of young girls’ rights
In the town of Manito, Albay, 49-year-old Caroline stands as a beacon of strength for women and children. A mother, a leader, and a survivor, Caroline’s journey to advocacy began not just from personal hardship but from witnessing her daughter struggle with emotional distress after their family was torn apart.
“I know that young girls are more vulnerable to abuse, and as a mother, I want to ensure that every child, especially young girls, grows up in a safe and peaceful environment,” Caroline shares.
Her resolve led her to become a community volunteer with Educo Philippines, where she immersed herself in child protection and women’s rights initiatives. Today, she serves as a Barangay Kagawad and Chairwoman of the Committee on Women and Children, ensuring that young girls in her community are safe, heard, and valued.
“I am close to the young girls in our community. I help them be open about their feelings and problems,” she says, emphasizing the importance of a trusted support system for children.
Despite facing financial struggles and a recent health battle with Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis, Caroline remains steadfast. “I want to be a superwoman to protect the young girls in our community. I hope for them to have a bright future.”
Sthephanie: a young leader taking a stand against gender-based violence
At just 16 years old, Sthephanie Faith from Donsol, Sorsogon, is proving that leadership knows no age. As the Vice President of their Barangay Children’s Organization and a key advocate in Educo Philippines’ Project STEPS, she has dedicated her time to empowering children in her community.
Her advocacy took a deeply personal turn when she witnessed a young neighbor suffering abuse at the hands of her own parents. “One of the most pressing issues in our community is gender-based violence. I’ve witnessed violence, particularly against women and young girls,” she says.
Determined not to stay silent, Sthephanie took action, encouraging her mother, a duty-bearer in their barangay, to report the case. The swift intervention of barangay officials saved the young girl from further harm.
“I feel fulfilled knowing that I helped save a child from suffering abuse,” she added.
Her commitment to ending gender-based violence extends beyond her immediate community. She leads discussions on child protection in her school, uses social media to spread awareness, and pushes for stronger protective measures through student governance.
“As a child leader, my love for my fellow children drives me to want them to be safe—living safely, studying safely. I want to be part of the advocacy for protecting children,” Sthephanie declares.
Janella: breaking the chains of gender stereotypes
In Pilar, Sorsogon, 17-year-old Janella is fighting for a world where girls are not defined by outdated gender roles. A former Barangay Children’s Organization President and now a consultant guiding new leaders, she has made it her mission to challenge the limitations imposed on women and girls.
“Luckily, I come from a family where gender stereotyping is avoided,” Janella shares. “My mother, an empowered woman and an advocate for child rights, taught us the value of learning all household chores, which ultimately turns into a valuable life skill.”
But outside her home, Janella has seen how gender biases persist. At school, she has challenged the tendency to favor boys for leadership roles, asserting that “there should be equal chances for everyone to lead, especially when we express that we want to, and we believe that we can lead.”
Through her leadership in their School Child Protection Committee and participation in advocacy programs, Janella is not only raising awareness but also taking concrete action. Whether it’s addressing bullying cases, mentoring younger children, or lobbying for child-friendly policies, she is determined to create safe and equal opportunities for all.
Her message to young girls this International Women’s Day is clear: “when you know you can do it, you must do it. And if you ever feel discriminated against, report it to someone you trust. Let’s stop the belief that girls should always be quiet, and boys should never cry. Let’s end these stereotypes and build a future where all genders are respected.”
A shared mission for a brighter tomorrow
Caroline, Sthephanie, and Janella may come from different backgrounds, but their fight is one and the same, to protect, uplift, and empower young girls. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that change begins with those who dare to raise their voices and take action.
This International Women’s Day, they invite all of us to join their mission: to protect young girls, end gender-based violence, and break the chains of gender stereotypes. Because when women and girls rise, an entire communities thrive.
