Empowering women and girls through sport: Youth basketball for peace in Cebu City, Philippines

As the world prepares to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, the Southeast Asia Sport and Youth Crime Prevention (SYCP) Initiative is highlighting some of the grassroots programmes that it is supporting, which specifically advance gender equality through sport.

One such initiative is Youth Basketball for Peace (YBP) – Cebu, implemented by the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) in partnership with the Visayas Technical Officials (VISTECH) in Cebu City, Philippines. Benedict Candia reports.

At its core, YBP-Cebu uses basketball not only as a sport, but as a platform for peace-building, leadership development and crime prevention amongst young people – with a particular focus on supporting women and girls. In communities where young people can be vulnerable to violence, exclusion and limited opportunities, the programme transforms local basketball environments into safe, inclusive and empowering spaces.

A key focus of the initiative is expanding women’s participation in basketball officiating and management – roles traditionally dominated by men. Through structured training programmes, YBP-Cebu equips young women with the technical skills, confidence and leadership capacity needed to become referees, tournament officials and the future leaders of basketball organisations. By aligning training with international officiating standards, the programme ensures that women are not only included, but prepared to excel at the highest levels of sport governance.

INCLUSIVE

More than 3,000 young people from different cities, municipalities and barangays across Cebu have been supported by the programme. Importantly, participation is inclusive of women and people with disabilities, reinforcing the principle that sport should be accessible to all. Through basketball clinics, leadership workshops, peace education sessions and local tournaments, participants develop not only athletic competence, but also values of respect, teamwork and non-violence.

“Basketball is more than a game – it’s a tool for social transformation,” explains Aaron Rey Cañete (pictured below), a youth leader and trainer for the programme, who is also FIBA International Referee.

“When young women step onto the court as referees and officials, they don’t just change the game – they change how communities see leadership.”

The success of YBP-Cebu has been made possible through strong collaboration with local government leaders, youth organisations, teachers from basic education schools and guidance from national and international trainers. This multi-sector approach ensures sustainability and community ownership, while reinforcing the message that gender equality is a shared responsibility.

INSPIRATION

Rachel Quijano Dayupay (pictured below) is a national referee for VISTECH who also works as a trainer on the programme. She has “a short message of inspiration about officiating in basketball” for “all aspiring women”.

“Being a referee is not an easy job,” she warns. “You face criticism, harsh words and sometimes the strongest reactions, especially when emotions run high after a loss.

“But there is a reason I chose this path. Officiating helped shape my character and taught me where I stand, what I can handle and how to stay grounded under pressure. There are moments when you feel angry, but then you realise there is always a lesson behind it. People may think being a referee is ‘just a job’ – but they do not see the discipline, strength and growth it builds within you.”

Rachel reflects: “To women who want to become referees: do not be afraid or hesitant. This role brings many benefits – better health, financial support, confidence and most importantly, a strong voice. A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.”

OPPORTUNITIES

In line with the values of International Women’s Day, YBP-Cebu demonstrates how investing in women and girls through sport leads to broader social impact. By creating equal opportunities in basketball officiating and management, the programme not only opens doors for women in sport, it also nurtures future leaders, role models and peacebuilders.

As the network of organisations supported by SYCP Initiative look ahead to 2026 and beyond, programmes like Youth Basketball for Peace – Cebu remind us that when women and girls are empowered through sport, communities become safer, stronger and more resilient.

Read more about the Southeast Asia Sport and Youth Crime Prevention (SYCP) Initiative.