WE ARE THE GIRLS YOUR PARENTS WARNED YOU ABOUT
SMILE TO THE FUTURE It is a complex world. From Intramuros to the opulence of Hamad Airport in Doha in only ten hours‌From massive traffic in Manila to quiet European cities where e-vehicles, bycicles and pedestrians can live in harmony. Trying to understand which path is better, as the path of the development may leave many behind. And realizing that the key might be education and health. And how that key is fundamental for girls. Girls who drop out because there is not a toilet to go to, when at school during their menstruation; girls who drop out because their parents choose their boys to go on; girls who drop out due to early pregnancy and are imposed to become mothers; girls that never dropped out because they did not even have the chance to attend school. While the debate goes on, many girls are still missing their chance, but hopefully, sooner than later, the change will come. Whether the development banks and multilateral organizations will manage to address this or not, this needs to happen!!! And I think it is happening because half of the world population has started to realize and has started to scream it loud and clear. And by smiling, laughing and screaming together, the level of dB will be so high that it will not be possible for the world not to pay attention.
Yolanda Manila 2019
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For something may change. Despite all the unfairness in Intramuros, the smiles say it all.
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A brighter future is ahead. It is waiting for you 4
It will not matter whether you decide to wear your princess’ clothes or prefer your sharks’ pants.
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For education will be the key to your empowerment.
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And you have the right to read, to write, to draw, to express your educated self. 7
Do not let the adolescence stop you from going to school. Go on learning. 8
Ask for your rights to have the same opportunities.
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And no matter what you do for a living, continue to learn. 10
Strong women, queens of their neighbourhood. 11
Working hard to make a living and ensure learning opportunities for the children 12
Enjoying a moment of relax under the shade to reflect about the future yet to come. 13
Marching together towards a better tomorrow
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Being the boss in the open cooking area, demonstrating all her skills. 15
Supporting the new generations in a vibrant Ortigas morning 16
Not letting the sun burn your brains 17
Pushing for better opportunities 18
Pregnancy arriving only if and when desired Desired and not imposed labor scream 19
And feeling ok with becoming the black sheep of the family, just because you did not follow the rules. 20
Free in your Vrikshasana 21
Celebrating long distance friendships and wishing they last long while discussing girl power
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Hoping this feeling does not last long and that the next day in school is a good one 23
Wishing that in years to come they will keep on smiling to life, because it is their right to learn and experience art and culture. 24