Last February 23-24, 2023, International Studies students from Miriam College were invited to participate in the CSO Luzon consultation on the implementation of the Philippine National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP- WPS) as youth representatives of NCR.

In partnership with UN Women-Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund and Oxfam-Pilipinas, the 2-day consultation process, entitled Participatory Engagement in Assessing, Crafting and Expanding the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (PEACE-NAPWPS) Assessment and Agenda Building Workshop, involved the collaboration of various women’s rights organizations, and other civil society organizations that included indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, as well as youth groups from Luzon.

              As youth representatives of NCR, International Studies students and CEDAW Youth Miriam College Chapter officers, Carey Lacambacal and RJ Fajardo, were given the honor to represent CEDAW Youth and collaborate with other CSOs in the multiple FGDs in providing inputs for the Philippine 4th generation NAP-WPS..

              The event showcases the practice of social inclusivity and participation while simultaneously creating a sustainable future. Being involved, the officers of CEDAW Youth were able to express the need to have proper protocols in handling Sexual Harassment of Gender Based Harassment in schools, as it is an issue the youth experience and affects their lives.

By RJ Fajardo, Carey Lacambacal, and Mika Taclin, 4th year BA International Studies