SDG-16 commits to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. An important accompanying target is to reduce all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and trafficking. Another one is to ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
UNDP found that educated women and girls are more likely to seek justice and tackle discrimination such as gender-based violence. They are more aware of their rights and therefore more self-confident. Education - especially literacy - is also a prerequisite to fully participate in democratic activities such as elections. So remembering what you read about SDG-4 and all the issues that as of today still prevent girls and women worldwide from receiving equal education opportunities, it will be easy to see the immediate interlinkage between SDG-16 and SDG-5.
Furthermore, during wars women are most vulnerable, because they are specially targeted by war tactics such as sexual violence. And women and children in conflict frequently make up the majority of displaced and refugee populations. Just like regarding many of the other SDGs, they have a particular interest to achieve SDG-16. Ensuring women’s participation and leadership in all aspects of negotiations and decision-making will therefore accelerate the building of more peaceful and inclusive societies.