Equality: #SDGSpotlight

The second category of sustainable development goals for the SDG Spotlight campaign, contains numbers 1,4,5,6 and 10 – grouped together for this category as they are all focused on the central theme of creating and improving equality for all. This includes improving access to resources and removing gender disparity through global partnership. 

The SDGs recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

Goal 1: no poverty

This is an ambitious call to end poverty, in all forms, everywhere. Poverty is currently measured by those living on less than $1.90 in 2015 a day.

This goal has however seen its progress hindered by the COVID 19 pandemic. Despite all the goals having their target date to be met set at 2030, the effects of this mean that the opposite is actually set to be achieved, with a 7% rise in poverty predicted in the next 8 years. 

The pandemic has contributed to the 1st rise in poverty in a generation – emphasising the importance of the goal aim to reduce poverty by 50%. The triple threat of COVID-19, conflict, and climate change makes the global goal of ending poverty by 2030 unachievable unless immediate and substantial policy actions are taken. 

How can I help? write to your MP about reducing the local demand for foodbanks, 
urging them to take action! You can use a template such as this one from Food Aid Network

Goal 4: Quality education for all

This goal places a strong emphasis on equality and inclusivity, removing gender and economic standing as barriers to learning. UN: ‘By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.’

Goal 4 also recognises the importance of education in relation to climate change.

There is a sub-target set within 4 that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including…

• through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

Goal 5: Gender equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The UN describes gender equality as not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. 

How can this be achieved?

• Equal work
• Equal access to healthcare
• Representation in the political and economic decision-making process
• Closing the gender pay gap

Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation

Expand water and sanitation support to developing countries and achieve universal, equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. 

Goal 10: Reduced inequalities

By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a higher rate than the national average. Goal 10 also promotes the enhanced representation of developing countries in financial institutions. 

This ties in with the aims of the other goals categorised here as the central theme of goal 10 is to recognise that inequality still persists and large disparities remain in access to health and education services and other assets – which requires action to change.