A new network of young female climate change advocates launched in Visayas on Friday, October 11, in time for the International Day of the Girl.
The group, composed of girl campaigners from Samar and Leyte, converged during the global celebration to amplify the voices of girls and young women affected by disasters, empowering them to lead climate action and promote disaster resilience within their communities.
Supported by local humanitarian and development organization Plan International Pilipinas and the Regional Sub-Committee on the Welfare of Children-Region VIII, this initiative forms part of the larger Girls in Crisis campaign. Set to run for three years, the campaign addresses the unique vulnerabilities girls and young women face during emergencies and advocates for their meaningful participation in creating stronger policies and programs to protect their rights.
“Frequent disasters turn children’s and young people’s lives upside down, and among them, girls and young women are the most vulnerable. They often lose their sense of security and stability, especially when critical elements like home and school are affected,” said Telesforo Laplana, Disaster Preparedness and Early Response Portfolio Manager of Plan International Pilipinas.
In December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl recognizing the importance of empowering and investing in girls. The declaration also encourages the public to stand up for and with girls who are more vulnerable to discrimination and violence, especially in climate crisis situations. This annual celebration also serves as a reminder and call for the attention directed to government authorities, the private sector, and other decision-makers to invest in girls’ rights.
As part of the campaign, a Youth Manifesto was read as follows:
1. For the Government
Orient the people about RA 10821 for us to better understand the right of youth during calamities. Also strengthen the implementation of those laws that protect children before, during, and after disasters and other emergency situations.
2. For communities, families, and fellow youth
Be an active participant in matters of disaster preparedness and prepare for contingency plans for each home to ensure safety during calamities and catastrophes caused by climate change.
3. For NGOs and CSOs
Work with LGUs to make government programs more effective and continue to engage with local governments to ensure that communities have the right support.
4. For the education sector
Include the orientation about RA 10821 in the curriculum and discuss disaster preparedness and climate action in the class for the youth to be more prepared in disasters.
5. For other sectors (Private, businesses, media)
Use your platforms and broad influence to promote the importance of disaster preparedness and climate action.
In response to the girls' call, RSCWC pledged its support to uphold the rights of children especially in times of crisis. "It is our commitment [to advance] the four categorical rights of the child," said Francis Genell Berida, RSCWC Regional Coordinator. These four rights are: protection, survival, development, and participation.
Sr. Mary Carmela Cabactulan of the Miserricordia Children Center Inc., expressed full support for the girls' network as she also called for unity for peace and protection. "Let us establish peace first in our hearts, then in our families, in our communities, and among ourselves."
Plan International Pilipinas said the Girls in Crisis Network is a platform to make their voices heard and contribute to finding solutions. "At your own right, you are leaders. This is proof that you have the strength. You can do it," said Roy Soledad, Plan International Pilipinas Head of Operations-Visayas.
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries globally, frequently affected by typhoons, floods, and earthquakes, which disrupt the lives of millions.
A 2023 research study by Plan International, Real Choices, Real Lives: Climate Change and Girls’ Education, highlights that adolescent girls are among the most vulnerable when disasters strike. The study found that girls’ education is often disrupted by damaged school infrastructure, unsafe travel conditions, and financial challenges due to loss of livelihoods.
When girls are forced out of school, they are at greater risk of early marriage, child labor, and gender-based violence. Many also face increased household responsibilities, such as caring for siblings, which further limits their ability to return to school.
Despite these challenges, many girls are eager to contribute to climate action and learn more about environmental issues.
Reyna, a 16-year-old from the Philippines and the daughter of a farmer, shared: “As a young farmer, I know how hard it is when our crops are damaged by bad weather. Sometimes I miss school, and my family struggles to put food on the table. It’s important for young people to learn how to appreciate what we have, use resources wisely, and take care of nature.”
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Note to editors:
- Plan International Pilipinas is a development, humanitarian, child and youth-girl-centered organization that has been present in the Philippines since 1961. We strive for a just world, working together with children, young people, supporters, and partners to advance children’s rights and equality for girls.
- Since 2007, the longitudinal and qualitative Real Choices, Real Lives (RCRL) research project has been tracking the lives of girls and their families in nine countries around the world, including the Philippines. The study seeks to understand the root causes of gender inequality, reflected in the way girls’ lives are influenced by social, economic, cultural and institutional factors. The 2023 RCRL Report sought to understand girls’ experiences of climate change, the impacts they have observed in their communities, and the impact on their education.
- To download the full copy of the RCRL report, visit: https://plan-international.org/publications/climate-change-girls-education/