On this November 25, 2024, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the situation of violence against women in Southeast Asia remains alarming, with frequent reports of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.

In the Philippines, more than 40 million people live below the poverty line, including 13 million children. On the island of Cebu, many girls are victims of violence, sexual abuse, child prostitution, or pornography. A recent study shows that 19% of Filipino children experience sexual abuse, 98% of whom are girls.

In response to this alarming situation, the Enfants d’Asie association launched a pilot project in 2023, Keep Me Safe!, in several schools in Cebu. This program combined online and offline reporting systems with discussion spaces facilitated by social workers. It enabled the identification of 251 concerning cases, mostly involving girls.

Building on the results of Keep Me Safe!, Enfants d’Asie aims to roll out the EmpowerHer project. Its main objectives are to prevent violence, promote girls’ rights, and support their education and employability.

This program aims to prevent violence against girls in nine schools on the island of Cebu in the Philippines (around 8,000 girls) through information and awareness campaigns, as well as the implementation of systems for prevention, detection, reporting, and addressing violence against girls.

The project will be implemented by 50 student representatives, 50 teachers, and 20 community liaisons, who will be trained to raise awareness, provide information, and support girls regarding their rights and the steps to take in cases of abuse.