Plan International Pilipinas warns barriers keep girls out of school

Plan International Pilipinas is raising concerns over the persistent barriers preventing many Filipino girls from fully returning to school this June. These include period poverty, unpaid domestic responsibilities, and teenage pregnancy, which continue to disrupt education outcomes across the country.

The organization is calling on government agencies, schools, and families to address these systemic issues rather than focusing solely on enrollment numbers. It stresses that keeping girls in school requires tackling deeper structural challenges.

Girls miss school

Period poverty remains one of the leading reasons girls miss classes in the Philippines. According to the World Bank, 8% of girls report skipping school due to menstruation-related challenges, including pain, lack of supplies, and stigma.

Plan International Pilipinas Executive Director Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang said menstruation should not be treated as a private struggle but a systemic issue affecting education. She emphasized that shame, stigma, and lack of access to resources continue to push girls out of classrooms.

Menstrual health barriers

Findings from multiple studies show that menstrual stigma remains widespread, with 96% of menstruators reporting discrimination experiences such as teasing and exclusion. Limited access to education and facilities further worsens the situation, especially in rural and disadvantaged communities.

To address this, Plan International Pilipinas partnered with UNICEF and the Philippine government to launch the Oky Period Tracker App. The tool has reached over 187,000 users and has helped improve awareness, confidence, and classroom participation among adolescent girls.

Unpaid domestic work also continues to restrict girls’ education opportunities. Plan International’s research shows girls spend over five hours daily on household responsibilities, limiting study time and increasing dropout risks.

Teenage pregnancy also remains a major barrier, with over 138,000 recorded births among females aged 10 to 19 in 2024. These conditions highlight the urgent need for stronger education, health services, and protection systems for young girls.

The organization is calling for coordinated action from families, schools, government agencies, and civil society. It urges the public to #StandWithGirls and ensure equal access to education for all.