Gender equality is a fundamental necessity for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

I'm Nahini Charles, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) ambassador and youth volunteer with the NGO CERD-BENIN. I work as a junior facilitator for gender equality, leadership, and girls' empowerment.

Women and girls make up half of the world population and thus half of its labor force. Gender equality, in addition to being a basic human right, is essential for sustainable development. Furthermore, women's empowerment drives productivity and economic growth.

Unfortunately, there is still much to be done in order to achieve full gender equality. In my commune of Toucountouna, I've seen girls become victims of rape, female genital mutilation (FGM), and physical abuse.

At home, 15% of the household chores are done by men. This leaves 85% for the women. In politics, only two women have served as council members since the advent of democracy, and there is not a single woman on the council in the current legislature. In the workplace, do you know how many women run a company or institution in the commune? You can count them on one hand.

Therefore, I invite all involved sectors to work actively toward bringing an end to the various forms of violence. Toward ensuring that girls and women have access to education, quality health, and economic resources. Ensuring their participation in political life. Ensuring equal opportunity in access to employment as well as leadership positions and decision-making at all levels.

Supporting women's leadership and empowerment will ensure their contribution to the socio-economic development of the community.

Translation: Andru Shively (VUB)