The Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE) Research Project, led by the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) and the UP Center for Women’s Studies Foundation, Inc. (UPCWSFI) in partnership with Oxfam Pilipinas, is a transformative initiative committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the Philippines. Over a period of four years, the project strove to surface the SRHR perspectives and experiences of marginalized communities in the Philippines, focusing on inclusivity, justice, and empowerment, and on reshaping SRHR research frameworks through feminist, intersectional, and creative approaches.
By adopting an intersectional approach, the SHE Project sought to understand the multifaceted obstacles related to SRHR in the Philippines. This approach recognizes that individuals hold diverse identities based on gender, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexuality, etc., influencing their experiences and access to SRHR services. Thus, the research was designed to be inclusive of and sensitive to the perspectives of vulnerable and underrepresented groups. The project particularly highlighted the narratives of female and male children, adolescents, adults, and older persons, indigenous peoples, Muslims, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The research utilized innovative and artistic methods – movement, literary, and visual arts – as well as focus group discussions, which allowed a deeper and more empathetic understanding of the participants’ experiences and viewpoints. Grounded in feminist standpoint epistemology, it ensured that the perspectives and voices of vulnerable individuals were central to the research process.
Envisioned as a catalyst for significant improvements in SRHR practices in the Philippines, the project prioritized developing actionable recommendations that address the unique needs of different sectors, contributing to a more holistic approach to advancing SRHR, promoting bodily autonomy, and preventing gender-based violence.
The culmination of these efforts is featured in the book, Pasya, Laya, at Sining: Reshaping SRHR from the Margins, launched on 24 May 2024. This pioneering work presents the research findings, creative methods utilized, policy recommendations, and sheds a sharper light on the multidimensional terrain of SRHR.
The hope is that this book will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and advocates. It encourages continued dialogue, research, and action, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that sexual and reproductive health and rights are attainable for all.
Download the book here: https://bit.ly/PasyaLayaSiningBook.
Watch the SHE Project Video Highlights here:
UPCWGS-Oxfam SHE Project Research Team
Project Lead
Nathalie Africa-Verceles
Deputy Project Lead
Maya Tamayo
Program Manager
Shebana Alqaseer
Program Assistant/Program Manager (2023-2024)
Rafaella Potestades
Admin and Finance Officers
Donabel Cabuyao and Cecile Laison
Creative Experts and Workshop Facilitators
- Movement: Sabrina Laya Gacad, Raul Raquitico Jr.
- Lifestories: Marie Aubrey Villaceran, Conchitina Cruz, Bernard Julian A. Patiño, Jasmine Cruz
- Visual: Amos Manlangit, Flordeliz Rañola, Fernand Vincent Hermoso
Cluster Experts
- LGBTQ+: Beatriz Torre
- Adults and Older Persons: Monina Aquino, Ana Marie Antonio
- Children and Adolescents: Excelsa Tongson
- IPs and Muslim (Deputy Program Manager 2023-2024): Dawn Marie Castro
- Persons with Disabilities: Raquel Ignacio (with support from Laniza R. Lacsamana)
Psychosocial Assistance Provider
Viola Jo Ann G. Torres (with support from Laniza R. Lacsamana, Joie Cortina, Jaclyn Marie Cauyan)
Co-Facilitators
- Gender: Amanda Lee Centeno-Hach, Ana Marie Antonio
- Muslim: Kharis M. Sumaguina, Samsoden D. Potawan, Jamal R. Pandapatan
- Children: Sarah Romero, Kathreen Joy C. De Luna, Katrina Beatriz C. Cayron
Local Coordinators
- LGBTQ+ Cluster: Rafaella Potestades
- Persons with Disabilities Cluster: Sanny Flaviano Bautista
- Tuguegarao Adult Cluster: Jhemarie P. Tamanu
- Negros Oriental Adult Cluster: Luz M. Bador
- Muslim Cluster: Sittie Nur Dayhanna Mohamad
- Indigenous Peoples Cluster: Milina L. Jeruta
- Older Persons Cluster: Kaya Alcantara
- Children Cluster: Joyzel San Valentin
- Adolescents Cluster: Aaron Durante
Documenters
Anabelle Badilla-Gubuan, Angelica Enario, Arche de los Santos, Charles Mangga, Chloe Francisco, Chrismel Ray Guinsan Tabujara, Fermina Vergara, Jake Alrianne Rol, Jersey Cacalda, Jhulia Datu, John Albert Pagunsan, Nathan Austria, Kaya Alcantara, Ken Paolo Gilo, Rennie Ann Arcena
FSL Interpreters
Catherine Joy F. Villareal, Jemuel Japson, Mark Jayobo, Ember Parpa – Palma
Feminist Media Lab
Maritess Cruz, Nicole Frances Rosacay, Miguel Potestades, Rem Salvan, Reynald Ramirez, Searle Kathleen Lira, Kit John de Galicia, Gerlyn Mae Mariano, Joie Cortina
For more information and collaboration:
UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies
Magsaysay Avenue corner Ylanan Street, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
UP Center for Women’s Studies Foundation, Inc.
[email protected]
SHE Project Team through Rafaella Potestades
[email protected]
