SDGs and Gender in Afghanistan

The Sustainable Development Goals which officially came into force at the start of year 2016, defines 17 global goals applicable to all countries for the next fifteen years. Adopted after Million Development Goals, the SDGs aim to end all forms of poverty. Afghanistan as member of the United Nation is committed to these goals.

 

However, all the 17 goals are applicable in the country; the goals number 1, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 16 are more focused on Afghans. Poverty, health services, access to education as equal, gender equality, economic growth, and the important one peace and justice are goals in priorities of governmental affairs.

 

For the women of Afghanistan gender equality is a prior goal, while they have started struggling for equal rights since drop down of Taliban regime. The issue of women’s right and gender equality became more sensible by numbers of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working to defense for the rights of citizens particularly women and girls in the country.

 

Thanks to the fact that SDG provides a strategic map; wherein besides Gender units in governmental bodies, the CSOs can take action plans for implementing gender equality. For women the goal (Gender Equality) which emphasizes the equality and empowerment of them, can bring a path to break cultural, social and political barriers in a period of time.

 

Since there are different organizations interested in providing information via awareness programs regarding SDGs and the role in development of a country, based on international laws and resolutions which Afghan government has signed, the SDGs are practicing and considering in official affairs as well.

 

 

 

Mohammad Elias Hatimi

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