For Women by Women: Local organizations that support women empowerment
Today, the fight for women‘s rights continues to pick up steam. Many women, however, still don’t know where to turn to when they’re oppressed or discriminated. So, it’s important that we create safe spaces for women and girls to protect them against gender-based issues.
Fortunately, there are local organizations that are taking up the mantle to ensure that gender equality remains a top priority. Although these organizations have different approaches to work – some use legal frameworks to tackle gender inequality, others use socio-economic frameworks – all of them have one specific goal: to empower women in a male-dominated society.
To conclude International Women’s Month, here’s a list of some female-led organizations that equip women and girls to reach their full potential.
Rags2Riches
Rags2Riches is a social enterprise that collaborates with empowered women artisans to “weave better futures for their families and communities.” President and co-founder Reese-Hernandez Ruiz formed Rags2Riches when she coordinated with women – mostly mothers – in Payatas, Quezon City. She also saw an opportunity to alleviate these women from poverty and to showcase how talented they are.
Now, the design house creates eco-ethical fashionable products such as purses, wallets, and home accessories made out of upcycled scrap material. Rags2Riches has also trained over a thousand community artisans, providing them with a source of income while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability.
Address: 87 Sct. Fuentebella, Barangay Sacred Heart 1103, Quezon City
Contact Number: (02) 281 3162
E-mail: support@r2rshop.com
Girls Got Game PH
Girls Got Game PH is a non-profit, camp-geared organization that believes in empowering women through sports. Established in 2015, Girls Got Game is also led by female ex-athletes who train young Filipino girls to possess an “athletic mind and body” that will help them rise above any challenges.
Girls Got Game provides different workshops from introduction to gender equality, mental training, and sports camps through partnerships with local communities. Each camp hosts a hundred girls who are taught four different sports including volleyball, basketball, soccer, and rugby. By playing together, these girls learn what it takes to be a strong woman.
Address: 184 Dr. Alejos Street La Loma Retiro 1114, Quezon City
Contact Number: 0917 834 7654
E-mail: girlsgotgameph@gmail.com
SPARK Philippines
The Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran or SPARK Philippines is a non-government organization committed to championing women’s rights and to the development of women as full partners at a national level. It compromises diverse women of all ages with a vision for a country that is gender-sensitive, inclusive, and responsive.
Hence, they work alongside other organizations to educate men and boys about gender-sensitivity development, women’s economic empowerment, and girls’ rights and education. SPARK also holds various programs to mentor next-generation Filipino women and promotes women advocacy campaigns through social media.
Address: 9th Floor Aurora Tower, General Malvar Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City, 1109
Contact Number: +63 (02) 426 7200
E-mail: info@sparkphilippines.org
Girls Will Code
Girls Will Code is a youth-led community that teaches girls to explore coding, programming, robotics, and engineering. 18-year-old Founder and CEO Isabel Seih also aim to close the gender gap by inspiring young Filipino girls to code.
Through this platform, girls can share about their personal projects, as well as promote interest in robotics and programming in a fun, learning environment. Basically, it’s a DIY kind of club where girls can form and pick out their own activities even online.
Contact Number: 0917 620 1965
E-mail: girlswillcode@gmail.com
Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau
Founded in 1990, the Women’s Legal & Human Rights Bureau is a feminist legal non-government organization that upholds the rights and interests of Filipino women. It is also composed of female activists, advocates, and development workers with the goal of engaging in feminist legal advocacy and social work to address women’s issues and concerns.
WLB currently focuses on women’s economic, social, and cultural rights through the existence of law. Moreover, they work to transform society by maximizing women’s notable achievements in forums, as well as in other agencies and organizations.
Address: Brgy. Central 1100 Quezon City, Philippines
Contact Number: (02) 921-4389
E-mail: womenslegalbureau@protomail.com
