In the Philippines, numerous organizations are dedicated to empowering women across various sectors of society. These organizations strive to address gender inequalities, promote women’s rights, and provide support for women’s advancement in education, employment, health, and leadership.
From grassroots initiatives to established NGOs, a diverse range of groups actively work towards fostering gender equality and women’s empowerment. Through advocacy, capacity-building programs, and community engagement, these organizations contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society where women can thrive and reach their full potential. This article highlights some of the prominent women’s empowerment organizations making a difference in the Philippines.
1. Gabriela Women’s Party
Founded in 1984, Gabriela Philippines is a powerful women’s group that promotes gender equality and women’s rights in the Philippines. With more than 700,000 members, it works both locally and nationally to end violence against women, advance women’s emancipation, and enhance the lives of underprivileged women and girls.
Gabriela, whose work is based on feminist legal advocacy, runs awareness campaigns, does research and training, and works with other women’s organizations. The inclusive group prioritizes women of indigenous descent, wives of workers, and those with limited resources. Gabriela left behind a legacy of constant change that sparked a shared vision for the advancement of women’s rights and empowerment in the Philippines.
2. Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau
As a feminist legal non-governmental organization, the Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau (WLB) is committed to resolving issues and concerns pertaining to women. WLB, which is made up of professionals in social work, law, social science, and community development, has played a significant role since it was established. WLB was founded in 1990, and its main goal is to promote and advance feminism in legal advocacy and development, with a particular emphasis on the rights and interests of Filipino women.
WLB uses a variety of strategies to carry out its mission. Among them is running information-educational outreach programs that foster public opinion and encourage action on women’s issues. In addition, the organization actively engages in research and training programs in partnership with other women’s organizations. WLB works to protect and improve women’s rights on various fronts and makes a substantial contribution to the ongoing battle against discrimination based on gender through the promotion of feminist law.
3. Girls Got Game
A non-profit group called Girls Got Game uses athletics’ transforming ability to empower women in a way that is different from other organizations. The organization was established in Manila, Philippines, with the goal of using athletics to teach young Filipinas valuable life skills.
Girls Got Game instills fundamental characteristics like discipline, determination, hard work, teamwork, confidence, and tenacity through playing sports. The organization seeks to empower pre-teen girls by giving them the mentality and physical attributes of an athlete, giving them the means to overcome obstacles.
4. Girl Up Philippines
Girl Up Philippines is a local arm of the Girl Up global campaign, an effort by the United Nations Foundation to empower girls all over the world. The campaign is based on the idea that girls have the potential to change the world, their communities, and themselves.
The organization seeks to unite young people and provide opportunities for social change in the Philippines. Under the Girl Up character, the organization aims to utilize youth potential to promote constructive and long-lasting change. Girl Up Philippines works to establish a supportive atmosphere where girls’ empowerment is not just promoted but actively pursued through a variety of projects and campaigns.
5. Girls Got This
Girls Got This empowers girls in the Philippines with an innovative, action-oriented approach. As a movement, it offers an atmosphere of safety where girls can grow in self-confidence, embrace failure as a means of learning, and acquire essential skills for life.
The organization’s primary objective is to equip girls with a solid foundation so they can develop and exercise freedom in the future. Girls are encouraged to explore their goals under the guidance of coaches while being inspired by role models, with a focus on involvement in education. In order to protect girls and stop abuse in all its manifestations, Girls Got This actively collaborates with local governments and communities, making use of play-based interventions.
As we celebrate National Women’s Month, it’s a great time to remember that these women’s organizations have also helped the younger generation succeed and grow. These groups make a big difference in the communities they serve by not just promoting gender equality but also nurturing generations of empowered women. Joining them can be a great way to be part of positive change and help create a future where all women have the opportunity to stand up for themselves and be their best selves.
