16/05/2026
Novel Phils at
One of the meaningful moments at was finally meeting in person the people behind the Southeast Asia Gender-Based Violence (SEA GBV) Platform after months of online collaboration and advocacy conversations. 🌏💜
Over the past months, NOVEL has engaged with the Platform through an accessibility review of their Fundamentals of Gender-Based Violence Prevention online course, participation in the March 2026 Online Dialogue of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities on GBV Prevention in Southeast Asia, and ongoing work as part of the CSO Reference Group adapting the Dare to Care online course for the Southeast Asian context.
From online meetings to finally sharing the same physical space, the experience was a reminder of how regional solidarity and cross-movement collaboration continue to strengthen feminist and disability justice work in Southeast Asia. ✨
Photo note: Two people stand smiling in front of a colorful Women Deliver 2026 Conference backdrop inside the conference venue in Narrm (Melbourne), Australia. Chris of SEA GBV Platform, standing on the left is wearing glasses, a denim jacket over a patterned dress, and white shoes, while Shiela, standing on the right, wears an off-white textured blouse, black pants, black low-heeled shoes, a conference lanyard, and holds a white cane. Behind them is a vibrant display featuring geometric orange and blue patterns, the Women Deliver 2026 logo, and the conference slogan, “Change calls us here.”
Catching up with a familiar advocate at
It was lovely to catch up with a familiar face, Shiela May Aggarao of the Nationwide Organization of Visually-Impaired Empowered Ladies (NOVEL Philippines), among the nearly 6,000 attendees at the Conference.
Shiela recently joined the Southeast Asia Gender-based Violence Prevention Platform (the Platform) as a speaker in our online dialogue with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). She is a feminist advocate for the rights of women with disabilities and community-based inclusive development.
Reflecting on her experience at Women Deliver, Shiela shared:
“Having been part of the previous Women Deliver where we launched the Feminist Accessibility Protocol, it’s encouraging to now see real progress — from its implementation to stronger participation and representation of women and gender-diverse people with disabilities, not just in accessibility, but across plenaries and side events.”
She also reflected on why spaces like Women Deliver matter for advocates working on disability and gender equality:
“Spaces like this matter because not everyone has the opportunity to be here. Being part of it creates opportunities to amplify voices, build connections, and strengthen advocacy for disability inclusion.”
As we continue strengthening efforts in Southeast Asia, the Platform remains committed to working alongside OPDs and partners to deepen inclusion, expand networks and turn these connections into sustained collaboration.
Hope to connect again soon, Shiela. Until next time 👋
Cowater International
