Issues of Girl Children in the Philippines The Child Rights Center and the Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights Center (GEWHRC) of the Commission on Human Rights, in cooperation with CHR Regional Offices, conducted orientations, consultations and workshops with girl children in idenetified urban and rural areas. These activities aim to surface issues experienced by girl children and to provide information on how they can protect their rights: - Consultation with Girl Children in Quezon City, 02 December 2017 Orientation on the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (R.A. 9344) on 15 November 2017 Consultation with Girl Children in Rizal on 05 November 2017; and Consultation with Girl Children in Benguet on 06 November 2017 The summary of issues below shows that teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse, and bullying are the most common problems experienced by girl children in the rural and urban areas where consultations were conducted. It should be noted that participants in the consultations said that they have personal knowledge of all the issues shared except for cases of sexual abuse, rape and sexual harassment in schools. They said they have only heard from others, from news or stories passed around in their schools or communities. In some instances, girl children in both rural and urban areas cite the behavior of girls (e.g. wearing skimpy clothes, flirting) as reasons for the abuse they receive. This may indicate the persistence of the myths and misconceptions about violence against women in communities. Drug abuse were mentioned by girls in both rural and urban areas as a response of children to conflicts within their families (e.g. neglect or lack of attention from parents) and with peers (influence or pressure from friends). Drug addiction was also mentioned as a factor in making poor choices in life exacerbating conditions of poverty. Experiences of discrimination among girl children are more distinct in rural areas than in urban areas. The impact of poverty is likewise greater felt by those in the rural areas. This is often due to lack of opportunities that could advance the conditions of the girl children especially their access to education. Responses from girl children in urban areas include a wide range of issues. Of particular concern is the mention of gang violence and suicide. These incidents were not mentioned by girls in rural areas. The participants both from the rural and urban areas offered recommendations to address issues they have raised. Sex education, and guidance of parents and teachers are needed to prevent teenage pregnancy. The barangay and various government agencies cooperation is pertinent to address sexual abuse cases in the communities and schools. Parents, teachers, and guidance counselors need to take action to eliminate bullying. They also put forward that the unconditional love from family is vital in coping with issues that girl children encounter. They recommend seeking guidance from counselors, teachers, parents and their elderlies and stresses the importance of bonding and open communication between parents and children. In particular, girl children from the urban areas recommend to implement a curfew in every barangay to deter them from using and involvement in sailing illegal drugs. While, girl children from the rural areas said that the government should create decent jobs for their parents so that they will not have to sacrifice their education for the survival of the family. 5