Girls hold the power to shape a brighter, more inclusive future—but far too many are held back by enduring biases and barriers that silence their voices, leave them isolated, and restrict their ability to realize their full potential. As the world celebrates the international Day of the Girl (IDG), there is a rousing call to action to create a world where girls are supported, included, and empowered to dream beyond limits.
Heeding this call, Beiersdorf Philippines, Watsons, and Plan International Pilipinas reaffirmed their partnership to intensify initiatives toward the upliftment of girls in the country.
Working side by side for two years now, the tripartite collaboration unites the members’ respective focus into a joint agenda charged to accelerate social change for young women. From last year’s programs and discussions about girl’s rights, gender equality, equitable and quality health services and economic resilience, the partnership expands their programs to include pressing concerns on understanding the disempowering impact of social isolation among girls, promoting mental health and wellbeing, as well as creating pathways for career development.
As a brand that cares beyond skin, NIVEA of Beiersdorf, advocates for an inclusive society and aims to foster social cohesion through its global social mission, NIVEA CONNECT. Addressing the rise of social isolation among young women is critical because loneliness and lack of social connection increase their vulnerability to social injustices and hinder their overall development.
Beauty retailer Watsons, on the other hand, aims to inspire holistic wellbeing, positivity and acts of care and kindness towards people, communities, and the planet. Part of its Sustainability goals under the People Pillar are their efforts to provide scholarships and career opportunities for the youth.
Meanwhile, Plan International Pilipinas, a development, humanitarian, child and youth-girl-centered organization working in the Philippines has been at the forefront of advancing children’s rights and equality for girls since 1961. According to Plan International Pilipinas, girls’ mental health is one of the core foundations for their success and well-being. By prioritizing self-care and seeking support, they empower themselves to thrive in both their careers and personal lives. Moreover, advocating for girls’ overall wellness is part of its agenda for girls’ rights and empowerment. It encourages them to exercise their rights, prioritize their overall health, and shape their futures.
For their IDG celebration, the three organizations mounted an event entitled “From Isolation to Inclusion: Empowering Girls, Shaping Futures,” that brought various stakeholders delivering learning modules on financial literacy, digital literacy, and career guidance to help girls from Punlaan School prepare for the future of work and navigate livelihood opportunities and professional empowerment.
Beiersdorf Philippines Country Manager Nimisha Jain in her opening remarks said, “NIVEA’s CARE BEYOND SKIN Sustainability Agenda is guiding all our actions across three critical areas: consumer, society and environment, forming a holistic approach. We want to “Care beyond Skin” by empowering women so that they can thrive. She also shared findings from a NIVEA global study on social isolation which revealed that young people between 16-24 (38%), hybrid workers (52%), and heavy social media users (34%) feel the most isolated in society. She explained that breaking the cycle of social isolation entails building connections, fostering community, and having access to mental health resources, which are key components of NIVEA CONNECT.
“This partnership today is a perfect example of all three elements coming together. I am confident that with our willing & committed partners, we can make a meaningful impact to empowering young women and transition them from Isolation to Inclusion”
For the panel discussion, Beiersdorf Philippines Sales Director Jacques Baisa, Watsons SAVP for Marketing Communications, PR and Sustainability, Sharon Decapia, and Plan International Pilipinas Portfolio Manager for Gender Equality and Inclusion Twyla David dived deep into social isolation – how it has disadvantaged girls for centuries, interventions and solutions needed to stop the stigma, and how communities can create a support system for those in need.
The event culminated with the turnover of the Php 1 million donation from Beiersdorf Philippines for the continuation of Watsons and Punlaan School Apprenticeship Program where students are trained with a TESDA certified curriculum to gain skills needed to succeed in the health and beauty retail space. Participants are also assured of a permanent job as Pharmacy Assistants in Watsons after they successfully complete the program.
In photo from left to right Watsons Group Senior Category Manager, Zyra Tino Obias, Plan International Portfolio Manager for Gender Equality and Inclusion, Twyla David, Watsons Director for People Innovations Projects, Jose Arriola, Beiersdorf Sales Director, Jacques Baisa, Watsons SAVP for Marketing Communications, PR & Sustainability, Sharon Decapia, Plan International Executive Director, Ana Maria Locsin, Beiersdorf Country Manager, Nimisha Jain, Plan International Program Director, Cathy Seco,
Beirsdorf Head of Route to Markets, Josefa Manese
Lastly, the tripartite partnership was renewed in a MOA signing and formal declaration of support, reinforcing the institutions’ continued collaborative efforts.
Watsons SAVP Sharon Decapia pointed out, “At Watsons, we understand that our responsibilities go beyond helping people care for their health and bring out their innate beauty. For us to be able to help girls become the best version of themselves, we have to open up avenues for learning and understanding what the future will be like, and what issues can affect them. This is what we have been doing with our partners – we are preparing them to be capable leaders of their families and communities.”
Plan International Pilipinas Executive Director Ana Maria Locsin said, “Today, we stand united with Beiersdorf and Watsons in our shared commitment to transforming the lives of Filipino girls and young women. The theme of this year’s partnership event on social isolation resonates deeply with our mission of advancing children’s rights and equality for girls in the country.”
“Gender equality and inclusion serve as powerful tools for understanding the barriers that prevent girls from accessing quality education, livelihood opportunities, and meaningful participation in decision-making. We firmly believe that when girls are empowered and included, they envision brighter futures for themselves and become catalysts for change, helping shape a world where we are all equal.”
For NIVEA, the fight against social isolation goes beyond the Philippines as it looks to set up local NIVEA CONNECT projects with partners in forty countries by 2026. All its efforts are in service of Beiersdorf’s long-term commitment to champion a more inclusive society.