The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a roadmap towards a more sustainable and equitable future of global challenges. While each goal is distinct from one another, a closer examination reveals a common thread that ties them together – the transformative impact of Gender Equality as a powerful catalyst for achieving a range of SDGs, creating a synergistic and transformative effect across diverse sectors.

Gender Equality is not just a standalone goal for it acts as the foundation for the entire SDGs to come together. When women are given equal opportunities in education, employment, and decision-making processes, societies experience a ripple effect that positively influences various facets of development. By addressing gender disparities, we lay the groundwork for achieving multiple SDGs simultaneously. Deep dive into how gender equality plays a pivotal role through KUMPUL.ID’s startup ecosystem.

1. Zero Hunger (SDG 2):

Agriculture, a sector crucial to achieving Zero Hunger, benefits immensely from gender-inclusive policies. Women constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in many developing countries. Providing them with equal access to resources, training, and technology can boost agricultural productivity, ensuring food security for entire communities.

Crowde, as a startup in the P2P Lending platform, has led a movement to empower agricultural breakthroughs for local women communities and farmers, giving mentorship and incubation for better agricultural improvement, and creating more value for their crops.

2. Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3):

Gender Equality plays a pivotal role in improving health outcomes. When women have access to education, they are more likely to make informed health decisions for themselves and their families. Additionally, empowering women in the healthcare workforce contributes to better healthcare delivery, addressing maternal and child health issues, and promoting overall well-being.

One of the great examples of this take is the femtech startup Wilov. Initiated in 2020 by Ivana Wiyono as the founder, Wilov has created a health service ecosystem that is informative, inclusive, and easily accessible to Indonesian women. Apart from that, Wilov wants to help women get complete health services.

3. Quality Education (SDG 4):

Promoting Gender Equality correlates with achieving quality education. When girls have equal access to education, it not only enhances their potential but also positively impacts the overall educational landscape. Educated women tend to invest more in their children’s education, creating a generational impact that ripples through communities and societies.

To pursue greater educational opportunities, we need to empower girls in the country to gain access to better education. Meraki Asa, founded by Nailah Shabirah, has allowed Indonesian youths to get global scholarships and international internship programs. This has helped many girls to pursue higher education, upskilling, and giving back to their communities.

4. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6):

Gender disparities often exacerbate the challenges related to water and sanitation. Women and girls, primarily responsible for water collection in many societies, face increased risks when access to clean water is limited. By addressing gender inequalities, we create an environment where women can actively participate in water management initiatives, contributing to the achievement of SDG 6.

One of the leading women founders in clean water management is Ratih Rachmatika, founder of Siaga Air Bersih (SIAB). SIAB actively tackles unequal access to clean water distribution through the Internet of Things (IoT). Through those efforts, SIAB has won many entrepreneurship competitions and awards, such as SheHacks 2022.

5. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8):

Gender Equality is integral to fostering decent work and economic growth. When women have equal access to employment opportunities and are paid fairly, it contributes to overall economic development. Businesses prioritizing gender-inclusive policies tend to be more innovative, productive, and sustainable in the long run.

As one of the recent alumni from FWD Insurance’s collaborative incubation program with KUMPUL.ID, JobHun led by Cynthia Cecilia as Co-Founder has ensured equal opportunities for all genders to gain decent work. Working alongside a network of the best experts, JobHun has provided numerous career development support, especially after the pandemic.

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Gender Equality is not just a goal but a catalyst for achieving the entire spectrum of Sustainable Development Goals. By recognizing the interconnected nature of gender equity and sustainable development, we can build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous world. KUMPUL.ID encourages all ecosystem players and stakeholders to work collaboratively alongside each other to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create an environment where the potential of every individual, regardless of gender, is fully realized; paving the way for a future where sustainable development is not just a lofty aspiration but a tangible reality for all.