Beiersdorf Philippines, Watsons and Plan International are committed to leading an empowered future for young women

Girls hold the power to shape a brighter, more inclusive future, but far too many are held back by persistent biases and barriers that silence their voices, leave them isolated and limit their ability to realize their full potential. As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl (IDG), there is a 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 step up initiatives to uplift girls in the country.

Working side-by-side for two years now, the tripartite collaboration unites the focus of their respective members on a common agenda charged with accelerating social change for young women. From last year’s programs and discussions on girls’ rights, gender equality, equitable and quality health services and economic resilience, the partnership is expanding its programs to include pressing concerns about understanding the impact of social isolation among girls, promoting mental health and well-being, as well as creating pathways for career development.

As a brand that cares beyond the skin, NIVEA from Beiersdorf, advocates for an inclusive society and aims to promote social cohesion through its global social mission, NIVEA CONNECT. Addressing the rise of social isolation among young women is essential, as 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 well-being, positivity and acts of care and kindness towards people, communities and the planet. Part of its sustainability goals within the People Pillar are their efforts to provide scholarships and career opportunities for young people.

Meanwhile, Plan International Pilipinas, a humanitarian, child- and youth-centered development organization working in the Philippines, has been at the forefront of promoting children’s rights and equality for girls since 1961. According to Plan International Pilipinas, girls’ mental health is one of the basic foundations of their success and well-being. By prioritizing self-care and seeking support, they empower themselves to thrive in both their careers and personal lives. In addition, supporting the general well-being of girls is part of its agenda for girls’ rights and empowerment. It encourages them to exercise their rights, prioritize their overall health and shape their future.

To celebrate their IDG, the three organizations organized an event titled “From Isolation to Inclusion: Empowering Girls, Shaping the Future”, which brought together various stakeholders to deliver learning modules on financial literacy, digital literacy and career guidance to help girls at Punlaan School prepare for the future of work and navigate livelihood opportunities and career empowerment.

Beiersdorf Philippines Country Manager Nimisha Jain said in her opening statement, “The NIVEA CARE BEYOND SKIN sustainability agenda guides all our actions in three critical areas: consumer, society and environment, forming a holistic approach. We want to “Care Beyond the Skin” by empowering women so they can thrive. She also shared the findings of a global NIVEA study on social isolation, which found that 16-24 year olds (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 involves building connections, fostering community and accessing 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 and committed partners, we can make a significant impact in empowering young women and move them from isolation to inclusion.”

For the 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 took a deep dive into social isolation – how disadvantaged girls for centuries, interventions and solutions needed to stop stigma and how communities can create a support system for those in need.

The event culminated in the turnover of Beiersdorf Philippines’ Php 1 million donation to continue Watsons and Punlaan School’s apprenticeship program, where students are trained with a TESDA-certified curriculum to acquire the skills needed to succeed in the health retail space and beauty. Participants are also assured of permanent employment as Pharmacy Assistants in Watsons upon successful completion of the programme.

Finally, the tripartite partnership was renewed through a signing of the MOA and a formal statement of support, reinforcing the institutions’ ongoing collaborative efforts.

Watsons SAVP Sharon Decapia emphasized: “At Watsons, we understand that our responsibilities go beyond helping people take care of their health and bring out their innate beauty. In order for us to help girls become the best version of themselves, we need to open up avenues to learn and understand what the future holds and what issues may affect them. This is what we do with our partners – we prepare them to be capable leaders of their families and communities.”

Plan International Pilipinas Executive Director Ana Maria Locsin said, “Today, we are united with Beiersdorf and Watsons in our shared commitment to transform the lives of Filipino girls and young women. The theme of this year’s partnership event on social isolation resonates deeply with our mission to promote 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 strongly believe that when girls are empowered and included, they envision brighter futures and become catalysts for change, helping to shape a world where we are all equal.”

For NIVEA, the fight against social isolation goes beyond the Philippines as it aims to establish local NIVEA CONNECT projects with partners in forty countries by 2026. All its efforts are in service of Beiersdorf’s long-term commitment to support a more inclusive society.