At 17, Sophia learned that saying “no” is not a sign of weakness—it is an act of courage.
However, that lesson did not come easy.
At 16, Sophia found herself in a situation many young people know too well. Invited by her classmates to a drinking session after class, she felt the pressure to say yes. She was uncomfortable and knew she was still a minor, but the fear of being called “killjoy,” or being left out, pushed her to go anyway.
She showed up, but she never truly belonged in that moment. Quietly, she sat in one corner, choosing not to participate. “Nasa gilid lang po ako, hindi po ako nakikisama (I stayed on the side, as I prefer not to socialize),” she said. It was a silent struggle between wanting to fit in and knowing something did not feel right. And that experience stayed with her.
Before learning about consent, Sophia said her decisions were often shaped by fear of judgment. “Iniisip ko po agad kung ano sasabihin ng iba, kung mapag-iiwanan po ba ako (I would immediately think about what others would say, whether I’ll be left behind),” she said.
Sophia began to see things differently after joining learning sessions of Save the Children on consent and personal safety. There, she realized that her feelings were valid and she had every right to set boundaries, even with friends. Saying no did not mean losing connection; it meant protecting herself.
So, when she was faced with a similar situation again, Sophia made a different choice. This time, she spoke up. “Sinabi ko po sa kanila na pass muna ako. Hindi po ako comfortable.” (I told them that I’ll pass. I was uncomfortable.)
Her growing awareness also shaped how she navigated other risks. When someone she met online asked to meet in person without even showing his identity, Sophia trusted her instincts and walked away.
Now 19 and in her first year of college, Sophia carries these lessons with her. She takes time to reflect, considers the consequences of her choices, and prioritizes her safety above all else. “Ngayon, mas priority ko na yung sarili ko. Iniisip ko ‘yung mga consequences kapag sumama ako. May adult supervision ba? Aligned ba ito sa values ko? And kung hindi ba ako mapapahamak kapag once na sumama ako sa kanila," she said.
(Now, I prioritize myself more. I think about the consequences if I go with them. Is there adult supervision? Is it aligned with my values? And will I be safe once I go with them?)
For Sophia, learning about consent did not stop at setting boundaries, it also opened her eyes to the importance of understanding her body, her rights, and the relationships she forms. She said it gave her the confidence to talk about topics that are often considered uncomfortable but are essential for young people’s safety and well-being.
“Hindi dapat ginagawang biro ang katawan. Mahalaga ito para sa safety ng kabataan.” (Our bodies should never be treated as a joke. It matters for the safety of children.)
Today, Sophia regularly attends and engages in activities of the Children and Youth Organization, participating in consultations and dialogues with the Caloocan City local government unity to advance the rights of children in accessing age- and developmental- appropriate sexual and reproductive health services. She continues to use her voice to advocate for safe spaces, informed choices, and respectful services for young people—calling for friendlier health facilities free from discrimination that hinders children from accessing such services that are meant for them.