Домогосподарка та творець змін: шлях Світсел до розширення прав і можливостей жінок у BARMM

For years, Sweetsel lived a life centered on family, livelihood, and personal aspirations in Pagalungan, Philippines. As a full-time mother and a small food entrepreneur she contributed to her family and her community by producing home-cooked meals and frozen food packages. Like many women in her area, however, opportunities for active participation in community development were limited. In many cases, women’s involvement in local initiatives was often confined to household chores and limited access to entrepreneurship. Still, Sweetsel always had a growing desire to do more.

That’s why, when Nonviolent Peaceforce launched Women Friendly Spaces (WFS), Sweetsel was eager to be a part of the initiative. These spaces focus on creating safe environments where women can gather, learn, and support one another. Local project staff and community leaders recognized Sweetsel's dedication and willingness to help others, so they encouraged her to step forward and volunteer as a WFS Facilitator.

The process required her to undergo orientation sessions and training that introduced her to concepts of women’s rights, gender-based protection, and community support networks —knowledge that was new but deeply meaningful to her.

Reflecting on her experience so far, Sweetsel shares that the project—still in its early days—has already significantly changed her perspective as a woman and as a mother. “Before, I thought my role was only inside the home—to take care of my child and support my family,” пояснює вона. “But through the Women-Friendly Space, I've come to realize that women like me also have a voice and a responsibility in building our community.” The experience has strengthened her confidence and expanded her understanding of women’s rights, health, and protection. For Sweetsel, what began as volunteer work, evolved into a personal journey of empowerment.

Today, Sweetsel actively contributes to strengthening community engagement through her role as a WFS Facilitator. She works closely with the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) to help bring project activities closer to women in the community and encourage their participation. Through these efforts, she supports women in gaining better understanding of their rights to health services and protection, by helping them access information and assistance they may not have previously known about.

While continuing her studies as a third-year Bachelor of Science in Social Work student, managing her small food business, and fulfilling her responsibilities as a mother, Sweetsel remains committed to empowering other women in her community—proving that meaningful change often begins with ordinary individuals who choose to step forward and serve.

--> Related: How One Young Teacher is Empowering Students in the Bangsmoro Region

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This impact story is a part of the BABAE project, implemented by Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) in the Philippines and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the Special Geographic Area Development Authority (SGADA) in the Special Geographic Area in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM). Funded by the Government of Japan, the project supports community-led efforts to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, while strengthening women’s and youth participation in local governance and peace processes.

BABAE, or Babaeng Bangsamoro, Arkitekto ng at Ehemplo para sa Pagbabago, loosley translates to “Bangsamoro women, architects and examples of change.” It’s full name is the “Project for the Protection and Empowerment of Women for Addressing Women’s Health Needs and Responding to Gender-based Violence in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).”