SpeakLit

  What Keeps a Society Together? By Yngborth Saltos Many young people believe that voting and laws only become important once you turn eighteen. However, the truth is that decisions made by adults affect us long before we reach voting age. We experience the consequences of those choices in our schools, communities, and future opportunities. Even if we cannot vote yet, paying attention to what is happening around us helps us understand the society we will eventually help shape. For a society to function well, people need a sense of purpose. Not just personal goals such as success or financial stability, but a purpose that encourages them to think beyond themselves. When individuals care about what happens in their communities, society tends to function more effectively. If everyone focused solely on their own lives, many important issues would go unnoticed and unresolved. Young people, in particular, often notice problems from perspectives that others may overlook, and those perspec...

  Cancelled Before Convicted By Patricia Nicole S. Tan Who really decides justice today? Is it a viral screenshot or video? Is it a single post that people scroll through until it becomes a national issue within hours? This is a reality many Filipinos recognize. Famous names trend repeatedly, clashing opinions flood timelines and comment sections, and public criticism spreads rapidly—often before the full story is known. In a digital age where information travels instantly, one question remains: are we truly the ones deciding what justice looks like? This phenomenon is often referred to as cancel culture . Cancel culture is a form of public boycotting or social rejection used to express disapproval and impose consequences online. It is particularly prevalent among Generation Z and commonly occurs on platforms such as Facebook, X, and TikTok. In the Philippines, it is often triggered by political opinions, insensitive remarks, celebrity scandals, or corporate controversies. For many...

Educational Inequality: A Hidden Violation of Human Rights By Aabha Ghimire The Importance of Educational Equality Education is one of the most powerful tools for personal and societal development. It provides individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities that can improve their quality of life and contribute to economic growth. However, not everyone has equal access to quality education. In many developing countries, including Nepal, significant disparities exist in educational opportunities. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, poverty, and lack of awareness continue to hinder educational development. When large groups of people are unable to access quality education, countries often struggle to develop the skilled workforce needed to keep pace with global progress. For this reason, educational equality is not only an educational issue—it is also a social, economic, and human rights issue. What Is Educational Inequality? The United Nations Educational,...

Should Influencers Be Legally Responsible for What They Promote? By Jasmin  In today's digital age, shaped by smartphones, social media, and constant internet access, entirely new career paths have emerged. One of the most prominent among them is the role of the influencer. Influencers are individuals who build large online audiences and have the power to shape opinions, trends, and consumer behavior through platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. As their influence continues to grow, an important question arises: should influencers be held legally responsible for the products and services they promote? The Influence of Online Creators As the name suggests, influencers influence. They have the ability to shape the opinions, purchasing decisions, and behaviors of their audiences. Many followers, particularly younger audiences, place a great deal of trust in the recommendations made by their favorite creators. However, these recommendations are not always genuine personal o...

  Women's Rights Are Still Political: Here's Why That Matters By Jeammie Taonga Chakulya Women's rights are often described as universal and fundamental—rights that should apply equally to everyone. However, in reality, these rights are still deeply influenced by politics. Around the world, decisions about women's education, safety, opportunities, and participation in society are shaped by governments and public policies. This means that women's rights are not only about equality but also about power, representation, and whose voices are heard. At their core, women's rights are human rights, a principle recognized and supported by international institutions such as the United Nations. Despite this, the protection and advancement of these rights often depend on political will. Laws determine whether girls have access to education, whether women can participate equally in leadership positions, and whether gender-based violence is addressed effectively. In some cou...

  The Reality of Human Rights Violations in Developing Countries By Kithiapech Panhnha Introduction Human rights are not privileges granted by those in power; they are fundamental rights that belong to every individual simply by virtue of being human. These rights are not dependent on a person's race, religion, background, beliefs, or identity. Instead, they are universal and should be guaranteed to everyone equally. However, for millions of people living in developing countries, these rights often remain more of an aspiration than a reality. Many individuals continue to face limited access to education and healthcare, while restrictions on freedom of speech and other basic rights persist. As a result, the gap between human rights principles and their implementation continues to widen. This article examines the reality of human rights violations in developing countries. To understand the true extent of these challenges, it is important to look beyond policies and legal frameworks a...

  Social Media Trials: Are We Replacing Courts with Public Opinion? By Vartika Chaudhary We're always told that justice takes time—that it's supposed to be careful, fair, and based on facts. But if you look at how things work today, it doesn't always feel that way anymore. Now, all it takes is one post, one video, or one accusation. Within hours, thousands—sometimes millions—of people have already made up their minds. So it makes you wonder: are we slowly replacing actual courts with social media? Social media has completely changed how we see and react to situations. Platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok aren't just places for entertainment anymore—they're where people get their news, share opinions, and call out issues. And honestly, that's not always a bad thing. There have been many moments where social media has helped bring attention to important issues. The #MeToo movement is a powerful example. It gave people a platform to speak up when traditional sys...