Dear John,

Have you heard of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Ever wondered what they actually mean for women and girls? 

Four years ago, 193 nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a set of 17 goals aimed at ensuring that nations commit themselves towards the realization of human rights of all, achieve gender equality, and empower women and girls among other things.

SDG 5 specifically seeks to advance the rights of women and girls by addressing the injustices that persistently deny them a chance of reaching their potential. This goal distinctly speaks for women and girls all over the world, impelling governments to address the societal and structural issues that deprive women and girls of their basic rights and opportunities.

Sounds great, but how do you know governments are doing what they promised?

Every July, the United Nations hosts the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York where civil society organizations, including Equality Now, and United Nations member states, and attendees collectively review progress against the SDGs. In addition to making recommendations to governments, we take part in several panel discussions and side events throughout the HLPF period, and often organize and co-sponsor events ourselves.

We also train local organisations on how to use these mechanisms to hold their governments accountable

What needs to improve? 

Every year we make recommendations to governments as part of the HLPF, this year we asked them to: 

 > Reduce sexual violence in schools

 > Eliminate of all discrimination on the basis of sex

 > Deliver justice for girls including robust laws to protect against sexual violence

 > Enact comprehensive laws to end FGM

 > End human trafficking and exploitation

Where you can find Equality Now at the HLPF:

Later today we’ll be speaking on a panel about online sexual exploitation, where a clip of the new film Saving Zoe will also be shown. If you have a UN grounds pass, you can join us at 3 PM - 4:30 PM EST in UNHQ Conference Room 8

On Wednesday, we’re hosting a panel discussion about a multi-sectoral approach to holding governments accountable for addressing the societal and structural issues that deprive women and girls of their basic rights and opportunities.  Speakers include: Ben Kimani, State Department of Planning, Kenya and Adelina Mwau, Deputy Governor of Makueni County, Kenya as well as our Global Executive Director, Yasmeen Hassan, Judy Gitau, Regional Coordinator Africa and Naitore Nyamu Mathenge, Programme Officer, End Sexual Violence. The name of the session is Enhancing the Multi-sectoral approach: Driving SDG 5 Accountability in Kenya, and it’s open to the public. It will take place from 1PM - 3PM EST in the Governor’s Room of the Millennium Hilton Hotel at 1 UN Plaza in New York City.

Finally, on Wednesday evening, we’ll be at a full-length screening of the film Saving Zoe, which will be followed by a panel discussion about the making of the film and the issue of online sexual exploitation with stars Laura and Vanessa Marano, and Saving Zoe author Alyson Noel. 

We are looking forward to an enriching series of discussions, do follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest from all these events. 

In solidarity,

Antonia Kirkland

Global Lead, Legal Equality