Girls Congress

14/04/2026

Last April 11–12, 2026 - we held our Leaders Training on School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV), Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), and Community-Based Research at Lawak Banikanhon, Foundation University.

Together with student leaders from Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA), Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), Foundation University, and Teen Advocates for Gender Awareness in Dumaguete (TAGAD), we created a shared space to learn, reflect, and strengthen our capacity to build safer schools and communities—forming our first SRGBV & CSE youth network in Dumaguete.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Elsa Burzynski from UNESCO Headquarters, Section of Health and Education, for her warm message of support and inspiring remarks.

Special thanks to Jona Turalde () for serving as our keynote speaker on Comprehensive Sexuality Education and for sharing her valuable insights with us.

We also extend our gratitude to Sir Marc Cababan for joining us, and to the FoundationU Office of Student Life for their support in making this space possible.

The work continues—grounded in knowledge, community, and collective action. ✊



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Transform Education
UNESCO
Catalinan Supreme Student Government
Foundation University
FoundationU Student Government
Teen Advocates for Gender Awareness in Dumaguete - TAGAD
Negros Oriental State University

13/04/2026

GIRLS CONGRESS 5.0
Session: Project Management & Election

On February 28, 2026, at the Dumaguete City Hall, we learned the skills needed to manage a team effectively from Sir Tigie James Tanilion. Following the leadership talk, we held a formal election to choose the Core Officers who will lead our upcoming initiatives.

The session ended with heartfelt testimonials about our journey so far, leaving the new officers inspired to take ownership of our organization’s goals.

Participating is not just participating alone; you are part of the planning.

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13/04/2026

GIRLS CONGRESS 5.0
Session: Climate Justice

On February 14, 2026, we spent our Valentine’s morning at the DYSR Work-Site in Banilad focusing on Climate Justice. Led by environmental advocate Gary Rosales, the girls practiced an innovative way to grow mangroves using modified reef domes to protect our shorelines. We also discussed community composting as a practical way to reduce waste and create healthy soil right in our own neighborhoods.

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13/04/2026

GIRLS CONGRESS 5.0
Session: School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV)

Awareness is the first step toward taking action. On January 31, 2026, at Chatime, we engaged in a critical discussion about School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) with speakers June and Peavie. The girls brainstormed how to make schools a true “second home” by advocating for safe spaces, privacy, and better education on body autonomy. Key ideas included holding symposiums for Women’s Month and addressing “small things” like catcalling that affect a girl's comfort at school.

By sharing personal stories and insights, we gained the wisdom needed to make our educational environments safer for everyone

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13/04/2026

GIRLS CONGRESS 5.0
Session: Self-Care

On January 24, 2026, the girls gathered at the beachfront of Felipa Beach for a grounding yoga session guided by Miss Naomi Denneler. They practiced deep breathing and intention-setting, learning to listen to their bodies and move at their own pace. This experience, complete with scented creams and the sound of waves, allowed everyone to feel much lighter after a busy week.

We concluded by sharing empowering messages with one another, reminding us that a leader must first know how to take care of herself.

To lead others, you must first know how to take care of yourself.

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13/04/2026

GIRLS CONGRESS 5.0
Session: Self-Reflection

We kicked off the new year on January 10, 2026, at Mulat Cafe. Each girl reflected on “Sweet Moments” and “Strong Shots” from 2025, offering words of encouragement to one another. Through the “5-4-3-2-1 Countdown,” we set intentions for the women we want to become in 2026, identifying habits to brew and comfort zones to step out of. The afternoon was filled with letters to our future selves and a shared vision of Girls Congress as a growing safe space for empowerment.

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13/04/2026

GIRLS CONGRESS 5.0
Session: CSE & SRHR

Knowledge is our first line of defense. On December 6, 2025, at Daddy Don’s Pizza to discuss Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Led by our speaker, Christine, the session explored personal boundaries, consent, and the importance of understanding our own bodies.

We delved into how CSE provides the tools to navigate relationships and gender norms, while SRHR ensures our rights are protected. This session empowered the girls to advocate for their own well-being and recognize the importance of education in personal safety.

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13/04/2026

GIRLS CONGRESS 5.0
Session: Intersectional Feminism

Every Girl Speaks. Every Voice Leads. We officially launched Girls Congress 5.0 on October 11, 2025 and celebrating International Day of the Girls, at Bugtaw, Piapi, with a powerful exploration of intersectional feminism. The session was a safe space where participants shared empowering quotes like “Babae ako, hindi babae lang” and discussed how feminism serves as a microphone for those who cannot voice their concerns. Shamah took the floor and introduced what Girls Congress is all about, sharing its background, goals, and purpose through the years.

From historical struggles for equality to the links between women's rights and climate change, we learned that our voices are the first step toward leadership

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13/04/2026

13/04/2026

01/04/2026

We’re opening spaces for young leaders to learn, reflect, and take action!!

This April, we’re gathering youth leaders from partner universities and organizations for our SRGBV & CSE Leader’s Training — a 2-day intensive focused on:

• Understanding School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV)
• Advancing Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
• Strengthening community-based research and advocacy

📅 April 11–12, 2026 | 8am - 5pm
📍 Lawak Banikanhon, Foundation University

If you’re not part of this training but are interested in accessing the online module, feel free to message us.

Let’s build knowledge into action—together.


education