A Vision Shared: Rose, 22, Philippines

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What are the greatest challenges to women's and young people's health and rights?

There are so many issues that young women and children face, and they are all rooted in the fact that most of the countries in the world are still conservative, male-dominated, and underprivileged, thus leading to misinformation and lack of education for youth. Although more opportunities become open to the female population as time goes by, there is still an unspoken rule that men are favored in society.

A key issue that young women face is the stigma associated with contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and experiencing unwanted pregnancy. Women and girls in these situations are perceived as promiscuous, and are even placed in a lower social status due to double standards. While men and boys can get away with having sex, and are even thought of as macho as a result, women tend to be withdrawn from society, with their limited opportunities dwindling even further.

To make matters worse, because of the disgrace associated with these issues, women are apprehensive to approach health providers--that is, if one is even available. In the Philippines, for example, the lack of resources in the country drives doctors and nurses to migrate to other nations, leaving many in the country, especially in rural areas, with limited or no health care options. As a result, Filipino women tend to be misinformed about health. Some Filipino youth do not even know about contraceptives, and are still practicing traditional outdated methods while engaging in sex. Knowledge about reproductive health is very important in order to help youth, especially females, make informed choices in their life.

Filipino youth, especially young women and girls, should make their voices heard by participating in forums convened by the local government, particularly the Department of Education. I personally believe in implementing sex education in the schools' curriculum, because there should be a door to knowledge for youth regarding this matter. If parents are not willing to teach their children about sex, the educational institutions are responsible to provide this information. Young women like me should stand up for our rights by trying to change society and taking part in advocacy. Equality in the country will not happen until we are courageous enough not to let the men make all the decisions.

What actions are you taking to make the world safer and healthier for women and young people?

Since my university days, I have made sure to involve myself in community activities, for I believe in giving back to others and acting as a tool of change and progress in society. At present, at the tender age of 22, I am the youngest officer for Advocates for Youth, a non-governmental organization that has a mission and vision to inform the youth of the country about reproductive health that will help them achieve a good quality of life, free from unwanted pregnancy, STDs, and HIV/AIDS. I am responsible for research and drafting proposals for the organization's projects, with focus on the "CLUB K Kabataan, Kalusugan, Karapatan" (Youth, Health, Rights) Youth Hubs and the Family, Health, and Wellness road show Program. I also organize and conduct meetings with public and private sector partners, including international (e.g. USAID and UNFPA), government, and non-governmental organizations. My job includes information dissemination through activities like school campaign trails and information drives.

What are your dreams for yourself and for the world's youth?

My dream is for all people in our society to have equal access to correct and up-to-date information, and more importantly, to their human rights.

Since sex education is not taught in the Philippines, I personally would like to provide Filipinos with the knowledge to make informed choices with regards to their health and their life. I would love to do a campaign trail and road show in schools locally, and nationwide if time and budget would permit. I would cater to youth in a way that would catch their attention: mainly through new technologies, including our website and SMS portal.

I would also love to have the voices of youth heard through a forum or a youth parliament where they could share their knowledge with each other. Information gathered from such an event could be consolidated and presented to the government and authorities, in order that they could see what young people are experiencing and the realities they face. As a result, the Filipino government could respond to youth needs and enable them to live up to their obligation as the future leaders of the country, as the famed national hero Dr. Jose Rizal once said.

I want young people to have a better future, not only because it is what we need, but because it is our right.

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