Promoting Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Sheripher Dinala





Africa Community Engagement (ACE) engages young people to take an active role in making the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a reality in their communities. I am privileged to be part of this dynamic platform of young people as well as serving as an Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal number 5 (Gender Equality).

I am motivated to advocate for SDG 5 because it empowers women and girls to be part of the change they want to see in the world. I believe Women and girls everywhere, should have equal rights and opportunity, and be able to live free of violence and discrimination. Women’s equality and empowerment is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, but also integral to all dimensions of inclusive and sustainable development. The achievement of SDG 5 is therefore vital to the achievement of all the other SDGs.

I also feel more motivated when young women and girls are the center of development in their communities. For a very long time, young women and girls have looked down on themselves. I was born and raised in a society which believed that it is only boys who were supposed to enter certain spheres of life or to take up challenges that were deemed to be masculine. For example, our society believed that sciences are only for men. It really struck my heart when I heard such sentiments in our community.

I therefore took it upon myself to see to it that I change the narrative, change the perception of young women and girls on issues that affect them most and make them believe that they can also make it in life and achieve as much as their male counterparts. I am happy today that young women and girls are doing just that - changing the narrative. They are now many young women and girls who are changing social constructions. Young women who are breaking the so-called taboos in venturing into the STEM system.

I therefore work more with young women and girls to make sure that the gender equality massage gets to all corners of our society. Our governments also play a vital role in ensuring that women are recognized at all levels. The African continent has demonstrated commitment to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women through the declaration of the decade of women. This is the time the African continent is reflecting on various issues affecting women including gender equality and women empowerment.

In conclusion, I would like to commend ACE for believing in young people like me to carry the mantle in working with other young people in promoting gender equality and women empowerment. Together, we can achieve more and make the world a better place for everyone.

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