♪♫ When Girls Just Want To Have Fun ♫♪

On March 23, 2024, as part of the Women’s Month celebration, the Viscan YouthMappers organization conducted a mapping activity titled “MapaBabae: When Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Mapping the Streets Using Mapillary.” This initiative aimed to pave the way for women’s empowerment through mapping, celebrate the contributions of women in the field of mapping, and inspire each other.

It started with an introduction of mine about what the Mapillary is all about which will be used by us by updating the streets of our University Campus that hasn’t been captured last mapillary event. Sharing that Mapillary is a collaborative street-level imagery platform wherein participants in MapaBabae are able to document their journeys and highlight points of interest, and share their stories regarding about this acivity. At its core, MapaBabae is about more than just mapping streets; it’s about creating a community where women feel seen, heard, and valued.

Girls in Action! Divided into three groups with 1 officer as the facilitator of the group then proceed to their assigned areas on the VSU Lower Campus to map using Mapillary. Of course, not forgetting the safety protocols when capturing data and having fun while striding the campus.

After the mapping activity, there is pizza party where participants can share their experiences and discuss their journey as members of the organization. Sharing our own stories behind the movement, the impact we’re making in the community, and the transformative power of mapping technology. As the event concluded, we left with a renewed sense of empowerment and camaraderie, ready to continue our journey of mapping for change and inspiring others to join the movement. So, why should women map?

Simply put, because girls just wanna have fun while making meaningful contributions to their communities. To inspire and be inspired.