How we support the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 are a huge call to action to the world to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that everyone can enjoy health, justice and prosperity.
After formally launching in 2016, the 17 Goals comprise 169 ambitious targets, which together aim to ensure that no one is left behind. And unlike other previous targets, the Goals are unique in that they call for action by all countries: poor, rich and middle-income.
If you weren’t aware of it, all of our work and projects have been designed to align as closely as possible to the SDGs, and we thought it might be helpful to explain how…
No Poverty (SDG 1)
We provide a raft of livelihoods opportunities to enable women and girls to earn incomes and move out of poverty. This includes programmes like Baking Sisters, Sewing Sisters, Jam Sisters and our Lotus Café. We also offer small business training and financial grants for women to start their own businesses through our Women’s Business Incubator.
Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3)
Most of our projects include mental health support with trained psychologists, through individual and group therapy sessions, as well as case referrals where required. We also provide holistic support through yoga, art and music therapy, and regular fitness classes to support overall wellbeing and healing.
Quality Education (SDG 4)
We firmly believe in ensuring educational opportunities are accessible to everyone, and we provide regular adult literacy and English language classes, as well as computing and upskilling.
Gender Equality (SDG 5)
All of our work is steeped in gender equality, and every project and programme is geared towards increasing women and girls’ participation. We also strive to develop opportunities for women’s leadership and equal roles, and advocate for their basic rights at every level.
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
As with SDG 1 on No Poverty, we provide livelihoods and training opportunities, plus small business grants to enable women and girls to begin supporting themselves and their families and earn a fair wage. Our educational classes - such as adult literacy, computing and English - mean those we reach have improved skillsets and are better equipped to access decent employment opportunities.
Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
All of our work is geared towards empowering women and girls and reducing ingrained inequalities that have impacted on them for generations. As an example, we run campaigns and events to mark occasions such as International Women’s Day, 16 Days of Activism and World Refugee Day.
Sustainable Communities (SDG 11)
Our educational and livelihoods support aims to contribute to more sustainable communities by ensuring women and girls can take control of their own lives and thrive on their own terms through accessible employment and learning opportunities. Our work is also based on what women and girls tell us they need, rather than what we assume they need - and our projects are always designed to serve as a hand-up, not a hand-out.
Climate Action (SDG 13)
Our new Climate Change pillar provides sustainable agricultural livelihoods support – through food security initiatives such as our renovated greenhouses for women growers, small business grants and our Jam Sisters programme. Our She Leads in Food Security project also provides community awareness on environmental issues such as recycling, food preservation and nutrition.
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
Our Peacebuilding and Human rights projects – such as Peace Sisters – aim to build more inclusive, tolerant societies, bringing together people from every different faith, culture and ethnicity. As part of this work, women and girls are trained to become peace mediators in their own communities, and take a more active role in rebuilding their communities.
