In 2015, the United Nations adopted The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also known as the Global Goals, the SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all enjoy peace and prosperity. The 17 interlinked Goals adopted by countries are designed to be a “blueprint” to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. If we look at the UN 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, women are rightly at its center. Gender Equality (SDG5) is not only a goal in itself but also a prerequisite for achieving all of the 17 SDGs. Therefore, unless we invest in women and girls, we cannot get closer to the global agenda.
It is obvious that Indian women play a vital role in the sustainable development of the country and in achieving all SDGs. As a sizable constituent of India’s population, women’s efforts and work directly contributes to the betterment of the country. When empowered, they can bring important opinions to the decision-making table, which will enable the creation of SDG-focused policies. In fact, the UN believes that the COVID pandemic could have been handled far better, had women been a part of the decision-making process. Women can also contribute significantly to the workforce and the Indian economy as a whole, not only through unskilled work but also through specialized work.
Sayfty Trust and Twitter India joined hands to recognize exemplary changemakers and how they’re leveraging Twitter to advocate for the #GlobalGoals and make a difference. The partnership aimed to drive greater participation of women in conversations relating to SDGs, with inclusion & safety as paramount. Building on the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD), we celebrate 17 Indian activists and changemakers among us, working on the SDGs. Through Twitter, they are changing the world one SDG at a time.
Exemplary women changemakers from remote parts of India were identified who were working on SD and efforts were made to understand how Twitter has enhanced their work/business/advocacy and furthered their participation by creating safe online spaces and #BuildBackSustainable. In this endeavor to feature women changemakers working on the SDGs, Sayfty Trust came across diverse efforts that these women have taken upon themselves. The zeal, passion and motivation with which these women have progressed the SDGs through their work is inspirational.
From focusing on something as essential and often overlooked as post-partum, to holding baby-showers for an endangered species through community-led action, — they are doing it all. Pioneering the Indian #MeToo movement or providing millions of meals to the hungry during the lockdown – each woman featured brings with her a story of sustained efforts. These women lead the way in advancing the SDGs while using social media for social good.
We hope the works of these 17 changemakers will not only inspire girls and women everywhere to pursue their dreams, but also advance women’s equality and leadership in meaningful ways.