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Don’t know your career path? There’s a clinic for that

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Young women are prone to two things: existential crises and misogyny. Edukasyon.ph’s newest campaign “Investing in the Future of Young Pinays” plans to put an end to these or at least help out in relieving the burden of both. In partnership with Investing in Women (IW), this initiative focuses on empowering young girls on their career paths.

“Investing in the Future of Young Pinays” is a campaign that everyone needs right now. A 2016 Labor Force Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that only 50% of
working age women are in the labor force, while for men, it is at 80%. In addition to this, a significant share of employed women is engaged in jobs with unfavorable working conditions. Although the Philippines ranked 10th out of 144 countries in World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Index, there’s still work to do.

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A purely progressive mindset when it comes to career paths and beyond is still out of reach. How our own government officials’ blatant misogyny and women’s daily struggle with catcalling is enough evidence of that. It withholds women’s true potential in any field. But this newest campaign has one thing in mind—young women molding the future and breaking gender barriers.

“Despite improvements in gender equality globally and in South East Asia, progress is being held back by social and cultural norms that discriminate against women. Our partnership with
Edu

Young women are prone to two things: existential crises and misogyny. Edukasyon.ph’s newest campaign “Investing in the Future of Young Pinays” wants to end these or at least help out in relieving the burden of both.

In partnership with Investing in Women (IW), this initiative focuses on empowering young girls mapping their career paths. A 2016 Labor Force Survey done by the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed only 50% of women of working age are in the labor force. For men, it is 80%.

The study also showed a significant share of employed women endures jobs with unfavorable working conditions.

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While the Philippines ranks 10th among 144 countries in World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Index, much still needs to be done before career paths are decided from a purely progressive mindset.

Misogyny blatantly displayed by government officials and women’s daily struggle with catcalling are two of the most obvious indications. These conditions hinder women’s true potential in any field. Edukasyon.ph’s campaign aims to help young women mold their future and break gender barriers.

“Despite improvements in gender equality globally and in South East Asia, progress is being held back by social and cultural norms that discriminate against women. Our partnership with Edukasyon.ph aims to address this barrier and encourage positive gender norms,” said Donna-Jean Nicholson, communications director of IW Advocacy.

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More specifically, the campaign wants to shatter the social mindset that limits women’s potentials through three steps.

One is by spreading empowering messages through online content. Edukasyon.ph will also hold career seminars for junior and senior high school students. A career clinic meant for senior high students is the most ambitious –  helping young people make decisions about university choices, employment, and even entrepreneurship.

Edukasyon.ph has so far made a difference in the lives of 10 young people from various backgrounds, universities, and industries- touted as Youth Ambassadors-  all over the Philippines.

“Both the campaign and the 10 youth ambassadors will be instrumental in supporting young girls to develop their career aspirations, educational goals, and social behavior that will allow them to thrive today and in the future,” Donna-Jean added.

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We still require a purely progressive mindset when it comes to gender equality as well as other problems we face as a nation. But with campaigns such as these, it gives a glimmer of hope even to the most cynical young mind out there.

The campaign is set to launch this August 17 at the BGC Arts Center. For more information, you can visit the following websites:

www.edukasyon.ph
www.investinginwomen.asia
https://blog.edukasyon.ph/

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Art by Isabel Drilon


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