Advancing the Potential of Young Girls in Nation-building
Young girls are becoming active contributors to Philippine society nowadays. Investments in their education, skills development, health, and participation are gradually creating stronger foundations for them to discover what they can do and dream of what they want to be
This is a significant shift from the traditional image of Philippine women and girls embodied by Maria Clara, a central female character in Jose Rizal’s political novel Noli Me Tangere (“touch me not” in Latin), who symbolized women and girls as shy, modest, and self-sacrificing.
There is nothing inherently wrong with being shy, modest, self-sacrificing, nor with pursuing careers thought of as “for men or boys only.” The problem arises when societal expectations become the only acceptable paths for women and girls.
Traces of this mindset remain today, contributing to gender stereotypes that can shape how girls see themselves and how society sees them.
Effects of gender stereotypes
Gender stereotypes are socially constructed beliefs about how one should behave, think, and live. The United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (UN OHCHR) considers gender stereotyping as a human rights issue.
It stated, “It is a contributing factor in violations of a vast array of rights such as the right to health, adequate standard of living, education, marriage and family relations, work, freedom of expression, freedom of movement, political participation and representation, effective remedy, and freedom from gender-based violence.”
In the Philippines, gender stereotypes are often directed at women and girls, particularly in rural communities and traditional families. Women who speak their minds may be seen as too assertive or aggressive, while men who display the same behavior are regarded as strong leaders. Working mothers are expected to balance motherhood and work because caregiving is still widely viewed as their primary role. This creates an unequal sharing of household responsibilities between mothers and fathers.
Gender stereotypes also affect girls from a young age. For instance, sports such as basketball and football being considered “for boys only” can discourage girls from participating and developing their talents. These limitations can lead to cases of abuse among women and girls, discrimination, gender inequalities, and increase the risk of child marriage among girls.
Progress toward gender equality
The Philippines has made significant improvements in gender equality in recent years.
Women and girls are increasingly represented in leadership, education, business, sports, and public service. In the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, the Philippines’ gender parity ranked 20th out of 148 countries worldwide, achieving 78.1% gender parity, up from 77.9% in 2024.
“This renewed recognition of the Philippines as a global leader in gender equality is a testament to our collective efforts—across government, civil society, and communities—to push for more inclusive systems that empower Filipino women and girls,” Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla said.
Yet progress should not cause complacency. As Valdeavilla herself pointed out, there are still “…persistent gaps that hinder full gender parity.” Addressing these challenges, she said requires everyone to “…innovate, invest, and lead with gender responsiveness at every level of governance and development.”
Overcoming gender inequality and stereotypes requires a deeper understanding of what gender equality means. Gender equality is not about replacing one stereotype with another, nor is it about rejecting tradition or diminishing the value of caregiving and family life. Rather, it is about removing the limits that stereotypes impose on women and girls, giving them the freedom to choose their own path.
Empowered girls
Advancing the participation of young girls requires a safe and supportive environment. World Vision has been promoting girls’ rights, education, protection, health, participation, and leadership potential through its #GirlsCan campaign.
World Vision’s Child Sponsorship and #GirlsCan campaign provide girls with opportunities to learn and develop their skills, build confidence, express their views, and take part in decisions that affect their lives and communities. Other efforts, such as menstrual health, hygiene education, and child protection programs, help girls to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Through gender-responsive policies and programs, World Vision works with families and communities to challenge harmful gender norms and promote shared responsibility through initiatives such as the MenCare Project Model.
“When girls are given the opportunity to learn, lead, participate, and make decisions, we are not only investing in their future; we are strengthening families, communities, and the nation they will help shape,” said Dr. Herbert Carpio, National Director of World Vision Philippines. “Our responsibility is to help create environments where every girl can see her potential and have the support she needs to pursue it.”
Empowering young girls today is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive Philippines, one where every girl discovers her potential and helps shape the nation she wants to live in. (LRC | Advocacy Communications Officer | August 2026)
