World Vision Philippines Calls on Filipinos to Empower Girls Through #GirlsCan Campaign
Last Updated on August 27, 2026 by Over Here Toronto
World Vision Philippines is calling for greater support and opportunities for girls as it continues its #GirlsCan Campaign, an advocacy initiative focused on helping girls learn, lead, thrive, and confidently claim their space in the world.
The campaign brought together World Vision ambassadors, advocates, child sponsors, and supporters at Gateway Mall 1 in Quezon City for a day of conversations, performances, and activities centered on girl empowerment and the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces where girls can dream, speak up, and be heard.
The campaign reflects World Vision Philippines’ continuing efforts to empower girls and address barriers that can limit their potential, particularly those linked to poverty, gender stereotypes, limited opportunities, violence, and exploitation. World Vision has previously described #GirlsCan as a movement that seeks to help girls pursue their dreams while promoting gender equality and stronger communities.
Empowering Girls to Say Yes to Their Future
The event opened with a call from Jun Godornes, Resource Development Director of World Vision Philippines, encouraging more people to support girls through child sponsorship.
“With our support, girls can. They can say no as well. Say no to early marriage, say no to abuse, say no to exploitation, and no to anything that tells a girl that she has to give up her future because of her circumstances today.”
Godornes emphasized that child sponsorship goes beyond supporting an individual child.
“It doesn’t help just one child, it helps transform an entire community.”
According to World Vision, sponsorship contributes to programs addressing education, health, child protection, livelihoods, and other challenges linked to poverty.
The need for greater opportunities for girls remains evident as they move into adulthood. The Philippine Statistics Authority’s March 2026 Labor Force Survey reported a labor force participation rate of 52.8% for women, compared with 73.7% for men.
Women also remain more likely to be classified as unpaid family workers. PSA data cited in its Women and Men in the Philippines indicators showed that women accounted for 11.3% of unpaid family workers, compared with 4.7% among men, based on 2021 Labor Force Survey data.
These figures highlight why efforts to challenge gender stereotypes and expand opportunities for girls remain important.
Challenging Gender Norms and Stereotypes
The program continued with a talk from Evangeline Caseres, Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Advisor of World Vision Philippines.
Caseres discussed how gender norms and stereotypes can influence the experiences, choices, and opportunities available to girls. She also emphasized the importance of creating environments where girls feel empowered to question expectations and make decisions about their futures.
World Vision Philippines has similarly highlighted the role of safe and supportive environments in helping girls develop confidence, leadership skills, and the ability to speak up for themselves.
World Vision ambassador and journalist Jacque Manabat followed with a discussion on “The Spaces That Shape Girls: Safe, Inclusive Environments.”
Manabat explored how the spaces where girls learn, grow, and participate continue to evolve, particularly with the rise of digital platforms. She highlighted how online spaces can help girls learn, connect, express themselves, and make their voices heard while also presenting risks that young people need to understand.
With technology and artificial intelligence becoming increasingly integrated into everyday life, Manabat emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to navigate digital spaces safely, responsibly, and confidently.
Jasmine Curtis-Smith on Breaking Gender Bias
Award-winning actress and World Vision ambassador Jasmine Curtis-Smith addressed the theme “Girls Can Break the Bias,” sharing how her family influenced the way she and her sister learned to recognize their voices, establish boundaries, and challenge expectations placed on women.
“One woman’s freedom changes the next girl’s starting point,” shared Jasmine.
She recalled how her mother’s decision to establish boundaries became an example for her and her sister.
“Na pwede kami magsalita pag ayaw namin, at pag hindi tama ang pagtrato sa amin.”
Her story underscored how empowerment can begin at home. When girls see women around them speak up, set boundaries, and stand firm in their decisions, they can gain the confidence to do the same.
Binibining Pilipinas Queens Encourage Girls to Dream and Lead
Binibining Pilipinas Queens Gwendoline Meliz Soriano and Julianne Raine Antonio also joined the campaign, speaking on “Girls Can Claim Their Space: Making Room for Girls to Dream, Lead, and Thrive” and “It Takes All of Us: Creating a Future Where Girls Can.”
The Queens shared stories from their childhood, including the dreams they had growing up and the courage it took to pursue those aspirations.
Their stories highlighted an important part of girl empowerment: giving girls the confidence to dream while surrounding them with people who believe in their potential.
The discussion also reinforced the role of families, communities, and allies in creating environments where girls can pursue opportunities and overcome barriers.
Creating a Future Where #GirlsCan
Adding energy to the celebration were performances from longtime World Vision ambassadors Quest and Perkins Twins, who have also used their platforms to support gender equality and encourage girls to confidently claim their space.
Their participation reflected the campaign’s broader message that creating a future where #GirlsCan is not solely the responsibility of girls and women. Men, boys, families, communities, and other allies also have a role to play in building more inclusive and supportive spaces.
The program concluded with a #GirlsCan Commitment Pledge, led by Jasmine Curtis-Smith alongside the Binibining Pilipinas Queens, fellow World Vision ambassadors, and World Vision representatives.
The collective pledge reinforced a shared commitment to creating a future where every girl has the opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and claim her space.
Support World Vision’s #GirlsCan Campaign
World Vision Philippines is encouraging Filipinos to support girls by becoming child sponsors. Sponsorship is available for ₱30 a day or ₱900 a month, helping contribute to programs that support children’s education, health, protection, and overall well-being. World Vision also emphasizes the value of meaningful relationships between sponsors and children through letters, prayers, and personal encounters.
The organization has continued to promote #GirlsCan as part of its broader work to empower girls, address gender-based barriers, and help children reach their potential.
To learn more about World Vision Philippines and its child sponsorship programs, visit World Vision Philippines.
For updates, follow World Vision Philippines on Facebook and X at @worldvisionph and Instagram at @worldvisionphl.
About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities worldwide to address the causes of poverty and injustice and help children reach their full potential. The organization serves people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
Learn more at www.worldvision.org.ph.
