UNFPA Philippines | Strength in Crisis: How adolescent girls rise in the face of typhoons

“The flood water was over my head,” ,” Caitlin, 13, points to the top of their home. She recalls the time when Typhoon Kristine brought torrential rains, which flooded their village in Camarines Sur, in October 2024. Her family had to move quickly at night and seek higher ground as the waters rose rapidly. “The flood rushed into our house, a lot of our things got wet, and I was afraid of what would happen to us,”  she adds. Her brother and father stayed on and tried to save their belongings, as she was told to go immediately to her cousin Bridgette’s house next door.

Caitlin and her cousin Bridgette are the same age and are close friends. “It was between nine and ten at night when it started to get worse,” Bridgette remembers. “I was worried and prayed my parents and brother would be okay. I hoped they would find my puppies that were left behind,” Caitlin cries as she looks back on that day. Her father works as a farmer, and her mother is a laundrywoman; their life has not been easy, and she knew they had to salvage whatever belongings they could.

In crisis situations, adolescent girls face an increased risk to their health, safety, and future. The interruption of education, healthcare, and protective services often leads to a higher exposure to trauma and mental health challenges, gender-based violence (GBV), and early pregnancy.

Caitlin and Bridgette stayed in a daycare center with their families for a week after the storm. A lack of privacy, hygiene supplies, and safe spaces in evacuation centers further compromises their well-being.

“Sometimes we would not have enough money to buy menstrual pads,” Caitlin says.

For adolescent girls, the absence of menstrual hygiene products can lead to shame, discomfort, and even infections. Humanitarian assistance tends to focus on food and water to support thousands of families, while the specific needs of women and girls are often overlooked.

In response, through the support of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), UNFPA in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Philippines, delivered Menstrual Hygiene Management Kits for adolescent girls affected by climate disasters. The kits include essential items like sanitary or menstrual pads, bath soap, multiple pairs of underwear, a flashlight, detergent powder, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a comb, all housed inside a waterproof bag which can act as a floating device.

Together with other teenagers in their barangay, Caitlin and Bridgette received orange MHM kits after joining an age-appropriate discussion on sexual and reproductive health. The session covers topics on protection from sexual harassment and exploitation and on safeguarding physical and emotional well-being at the stages of puberty. Empowering girls like Caitlin and Bridgette with knowledge and tools to stay safe can allow them to make informed choices and build resilience during a crisis.

It has been a great help for us, because we didn’t need to buy our necessities anymore. We were given everything that we needed,” Caitlin smiles.

After the typhoon, the two young girls went home with a newfound strength and hope. The MHM kits they received not only regained their sense of dignity, but also armed them with valuable knowledge about their health, safety, and rights.

Caitlin’s beloved pets that had gone missing during the typhoon returned home safely. Their return meant more than just a reunion—but a beginning of healing, and a small but powerful reminder that even after the darkest storms, there are reasons to hope.

– Shirin Bhandari

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Strength in Crisis: How adolescent girls rise in the face of typhoons