Girls’ Empowerment Graduates Thrive in the Philippines

Through Convoy’s Girls’ Empowerment groups, young women learn about self-esteem, positive decision-making, nutrition, physical and emotional health, menstrual health, gender-based violence, and harmful beliefs and practices. This education helps them plan for their futures and grow up believing that they can make a difference.

Since 2010, Convoy has empowered tens of thousands of girls in 16 countries around the world. Recently, a group of Girls’ Empowerment participants and their communities gathered to celebrate their program graduation. Girl after girl came to the microphone and talked about the impact these groups had on their lives.

When a woman is empowered — when she can earn an income, better care for her children, or believe in her intrinsic worth — it doesn’t only benefit her. Her entire community profits.

But there’s no need to wait and empower women as adults. Convoy of Hope believes in strengthening young women and girls so they can change their communities, their countries, and our world.

“I went through times when I looked down on myself and compared myself to others,” said Senerose, who was one of the graduates. “When I joined Girls’ Empowerment, they helped me and the other girls to gradually gain self-confidence. We have become even more empowered.”

“My hope is that the Filipino girls will pursue their God-given dream,” said Venice, one of the Girls’ Empowerment Coordinators. “That as a girl, [they] will be confident to speak up and tell the world that. ‘I am a girl, and I am strong. And I am a girl, and I can make a difference.”

“Back then, I really didn’t have that confidence,” said Akira, another Girl’s Empowerment graduate. “And look at me now … standing in front of you. Proof that I conquered my fears. GE [Girls’ Empowerment] made me realize that I am not just a woman. I am a woman!”

Empowering women and girls to advocate for themselves creates opportunities that last for generations. Thank you for helping vulnerable girls become everything they were born to be.