What is the SDG goal for women?

In the quest for a fairer and more equal world, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were laid down by the United Nations (UN). There are 17 goals, and all of them are meant to bring about inclusivity, progression, and fairness to the world; and to enable and empower people from all socio-economic backgrounds by providing them with education, and equal job opportunities and protecting them from discrimination. In alignment with the UN’s SGDs, TRRAIN empowers women and people from ostracized communities and specially-abled people by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities.

But why is it essential to have a specific sustainable development goal for women? 

The answer lies in our society’s deep-rooted gender bias, which invades every aspect of women’s lives. From the moment they are born, girls are treated differently from boys, and a culture is created where women are considered lesser than men. The result of this mindset is that women and girls are deprived of basic rights and equal opportunities, which limits their potential and creates a cycle of poverty and bias. 

Incorporating women as integral parts of the SDGs supports the success and impact of these goals. Women’s perspectives, experiences, and contributions are essential for creating sustainable and inclusive development that benefits everyone in society.

Why should women be a part of the SDGs and why is it important for women’s empowerment-

Women make up nearly half of the world’s population and contribute significantly to the global economy and society. Yet, they still face significant barriers and challenges in realizing their full potential. From gaps in education, and school dropout rates to gender pay gaps, there are many statistics that have time and again emphasized on the need for a dedicated goal to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Here are 5 reasons why women’s empowerment is important:

1. Economic independence and development: Research has shown that economies that empower women grow faster than those that don’t. When barriers are broken and opportunities are created, women make better economic contributions to their communities, boosting productivity and innovation.
2. Social equity and equality: When we empower women, we promote social justice, challenging damaging gender norms and preconceived notions. When women have the same rights and opportunities as men, we create a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone.

1. Better health outcomes: Investing in women’s education can help break the poverty cycle and improve health outcomes. Women who are educated are better equipped to make informed choices about their health and their families and communities’ health.
2. Communal harmony: Women’s involvement in decision-making at every level, from local to national, contributes to stability, inclusion, and lasting peace. When women are represented and empowered, societies work together to address global challenges.

Sustainable development goals For Women empowerment – SGD 5 – Gender Equality.

Gender Equality, also known as SDG 5, aims to put an end to all forms of repression of women and girls around the world. It recognises the essential value of women’s rights and focuses on various aspects, such as – 

• Ending domestic violence
• Providing equal opportunities for education and health care
• Supporting women’s economic development
• Promoting women’s participation and leadership. 

The goal of SDG 5 is to end the cycle of discrimination and repression against women and girls by advancing their full equality. It understands that discrimination against women must end in all its forms. It also demands that women and girls have equal access to resources, healthcare, and education.

Other SDGs for Sustainable Development for women’s empowerment

Here are some other sustainable developments for women’s progress, which propose that women’s inclusion can have a significant impact on social and economic progress globally:

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – Empowering women economically can help reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihoods for people and families. Women’s economic empowerment helps reduce poverty by increasing household income and increasing financial independence.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Making women a part of decision-making and empowering them can lead to better health outcomes not just for them, but for their families and the communities as well.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education – Gender equality in education is crucial for the overall development of societies. Inclusive education systems prioritising girls’ education can lead to higher enrolment rates and improved educational outcomes. – Empowered women are more likely to invest in their children’s education, creating a positive cycle of education for future generations.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality – Understanding and addressing the challenges faced by the female community based on things like race, ethnicity, disability, and age is a must for achieving true gender equality. This SDG aims at making the lives of women better by providing them with equal opportunities.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Vigorous economic growth is fuelled by women’s involvement in the workforce, particularly in leadership positions. Women become more economically empowered by eliminating hurdles based on their gender, advocating for equal pay for equal effort, and creating supportive work environments.
6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – By involving women in the decision-making process and addressing gender inequalities, we can work to reduce gender-based differences. By promoting equal representation and opportunity for women in political, business and public life, we can create a more equal and inclusive society.

Summing up….

Remember, embracing gender equality is not just a goal but a journey that requires continuous efforts, continued dialogue, and collaboration. Let us foster a society that values and empowers women, paving the way for genuine progress and a better tomorrow. You too can be a part of this by donating towards promoting sustainable livelihoods, by partnering with NGOs like TRRAIN.