WAYS THAT SDGs CAN ASSIST IN ENSURING ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY FOR WIDOWS

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals

The overall goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people have the opportunity to live peaceful, prosperous, and fulfilling lives.

The SDGs are designed to be universal, meaning that they apply to all countries, regardless of their level of development. They are also integrated, meaning that the goals are interconnected and that progress on one goal is dependent on progress on others. What this means is that one section of society cannot develop while another section is left behind and that is why it is important to consider widows as a crucial demographic while attempting to realize the SDGs.

Investing in education and training programs to provide widows with the skills and knowledge they need to participate fully in the economy. This can include programs to improve literacy and numeracy, as well as vocational training and entrepreneurship development.

Supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by widows in their communities. SMEs are a key source of employment and income in many African countries, and providing support to these businesses can help to promote economic growth and sustainability.

Investing in infrastructures, such as roads, schools, and health clinics, in marginalized communities. This can help to improve access to essential services and create economic opportunities for widows in these communities.

Promoting financial inclusion, including expanding access to financial services, such as savings and credit, in marginalized widow communities. This can help to provide widows in these communities with the tools they need to manage their finances and grow their businesses.

Working with governments and other stakeholders to develop policies and programs that address the specific needs and challenges facing widows in Africa. This can include targeted initiatives to support economic development, such as targeted credit programs or business development services.

Non-Governmental Organizations play a crucial role in this sphere and they can crucially work to address and reduce poverty in marginalized areas through adopting strategies such as:

• Investing in education and skills training.
• Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
• Providing access to basic services such as healthcare, clean water, and electricity
• Implementing policies to promote gender equality and empower women.
• Supporting sustainable agriculture and rural development.

The overall aim of the SDGs is to create a more sustainable and equitable world, where all people have the opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives and where the natural environment is protected and preserved for future generations. 

These goals are meant to provide a framework for global efforts to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. It is hoped that the above-proposed measures can serve as a timely advisory toward achieving these goals.