What are the 
most Important 
SDGs for Girls?

All Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) matter, but some are key for girls. These goals help girls learn, live safely, and shape their futures. Yet progress towards these goals is uneven. Political, digital and global pressures are putting key goals for girls at risk. 

Why some Sustainable Development Goals matter more for girls 

There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted them as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda aims to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for everyone by 2030.  

Some SDGs are more important and relevant for girls and their live, as they face specific disadvantages and risks. This is due to gender inequality, social norms, and discrimination. All SDGs connect, but some are critical to improving girls’ lives and opportunities. 

The SDGs most important to girls’ rights and futures

While all SDGs matter, some are especially crucial for girls' rights and their futures. They are: 

• Good health and well-being (SDG 3) 
• Quality education (SDG 4) 
• Gender equality (SDG 5) 
• Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) 
• Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16) 

However, girls are not a homogenous group. Their priorities and challenges change a lot based on their situations. For example, girls living in poverty may be most affected by SDG 1 (No Poverty). Those in climate-vulnerable regions may be more impacted by SDG 13 (Climate Action). Recognising this diversity is key to making sure no girl is left behind. 

Quality education as the foundation for equality (SDG 4)

Girls are most likely to be out of education. For this reason, education is a key tool to break cycles of inequality for girls especially. Education gives girls skills, confidence, and opportunities. All of which can help them overcome discrimination and shape their own futures.

Why SDG 4 is especially important for girls: 

1. Education breaks the cycle of poverty 

When girls get quality education, they’re more likely to earn higher incomes. This helps them support themselves and their families. This lowers poverty for them and for future generations too. 

2. Education delays early marriage and pregnancy 

Girls who stay in school are less likely to be married young or become pregnant early. This protects their health. It allows them to complete their education and increases their life choices. 

3. Education improves health and well-being 

Educated girls are more likely to make informed health decisions. They are also more likely to access healthcare and raise healthier children. This supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) as well. 

4. Education empowers girls’ voices and rights 

School helps girls grow their confidence. It offers the chance to develop leadership skills and think critically. Educated girls can better stand up for their rights and take part in community decisions. 

5. Education promotes gender equality 

By ensuring equal access to quality education, SDG 4 directly supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Education challenges harmful gender stereotypes. It also opens doors for girls in fields where they are often underrepresented. For examples, science, technology, and leadership. 

6. Education strengthens societies as a whole 

Educating girls helps communities. It leads to stronger economies and better governance. It gives rise to more peaceful societies. This creates a ripple effect that supports many SDGs. 

Gender equality and ending discrimination (SDG 5)

SDG 5 (Gender Equality) is vital for girls. It aims to end discrimination and empower them. Its aim is for girls to have equal rights, choices, and opportunities in all areas of life. SDG 5 is also beneficial for boys. This is because it helps to reduce the harmful gender norms they face too.  

Why SDG 5 matters for girls: 

1. It protects girls from discrimination and harmful practices 

SDG 5 wants to end harmful practices, like child marriage and female genital mutilation. Another example is gender-based violence. These issues impact millions of girls globally. They restrict their futures. 

2. It ensures equal access to education and opportunities 

Gender equality helps girls stay in school. It allows them to pursue higher education and access the same learning and career paths as boys. This support leads to long-term independence. 

3. It gives girls a voice in decisions that affect their lives 

SDG 5 encourages girls to take part in leadership and decision-making. This includes at home, in schools, and in governments. It helps them shape policies and drive social change. 

4. It improves girls’ health and well-being 

SDG 5 supports access to reproductive health care and rights. This helps girls make informed choices about their bodies and futures. 

5. It supports economic independence 

Gender equality opens doors to fair pay, decent work, and financial independence. It lowers girls’ risk of poverty and exploitation. 

6. It challenges harmful gender stereotypes 

SDG 5 aims to change social norms that restrict girls. It promotes confidence, ambition, and self-belief. 

Access to healthcare and reproductive rights (SDG 3)

Good health is the foundation for girls’ growth, safety, and opportunities. Without it, girls can’t fully engage in education, work, or society. They become more at risk for preventable issues. Examples include, malnutrition, and anaemia. Access to sexual and reproductive health and rights is important too. It empowers girls to make choices over their own bodies.  

Why SDG 3 is an important goal for girls: 

1. Reduces maternal and child health risks 

Girls face risks from early pregnancy and childbirth. Especially teenage girls. SDG 3 supports access to reproductive and maternal healthcare. This helps save lives and keeps people healthy and empowers girls to make choices over their own bodies and futures. 

2. Ensures access to nutrition and healthy development 

Good nutrition is vital for girls' growth and mental health. Malnutrition or anaemia can affect school performance. They can also impact energy, and long-term health. 

3. Prevents disease and promotes vaccination 

Girls often face a higher risk of infectious diseases, such as measles and malaria. This is mostly because they are more likely to have limited access to healthcare. SDG 3 supports immunisations, sanitation, and access to healthcare for better health. 

4. Supports mental health and well-being 

Girls can face stress, anxiety, and/or discrimination. They may also experience trauma from violence and societal pressures. SDG 3 focuses on mental health support. It helps people build coping strategies. It also allows them boost their self-confidence. 

5. Reduces vulnerability to violence and exploitation 

Good healthcare and access to reproductive healthcare is necessary in responding to violence and exploitation. 

Protection, justice, and safety for girls (SDG 16)

Why SDG 16 matters for girls: 

1. Protects girls from violence and abuse 

Girls are especially at risk of gender-based violence, trafficking, and exploitation. This is even more true during emergencies and crises. Strong laws, safe communities, and access to justice help prevent abuse. They also hold abusers accountable. 

2. Promotes the protection of rights 

Legal systems and institutions that support and uphold girls’ rights make sure they can access education. They also ensure equal access to healthcare and economic opportunities. 

3. Reduces child marriage and exploitation 

Conflict, weak governance, and a lack of rule of law raise the risks of child marriage, labour exploitation, and human trafficking. SDG 16 works to strengthen protections. 

4. Creates safe spaces for learning and development 

Safe communities and peaceful societies help girls go to school. Girls can join activities outside school. They can also explore leadership freely. 

5. Empowers girls to participate in decision-making 

Strong institutions help amplify girls' voices. In community decisions, policymaking, and governance. This promotes gender equality and social inclusion.

Employment rights and economic independence (SDG 8)

SDG 8 is important for girls. Economic empowerment opens doors to independence and a life free from poverty and exploitation. This gives girls a fair chance to reach their full potential. 

Why SDG 8 is an important goal for girls: 

1. Economic independence 

When girls and young women have access to decent work, they can earn their own income. This helps them be financially independent. It makes them less vulnerable to exploitation or poverty. 

2. Breaking cycles of poverty 

Paid work helps women support their families. It allows them to invest in their children's education and their family's health. All this benefits future generations. 

3. Equal opportunities in the workplace 

SDG 8 focuses on fair pay, equal treatment, and safe working conditions. It aims to cut down gender discrimination and harassment in the workplace. 

4. Access to skills and entrepreneurship 

Training, vocational programmes, and entrepreneurship opportunities give girls the skills to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men. This includes areas such as technology, politics or business. 

5. Reducing child labour and exploitation 

Promoting good jobs for adults and support for families helps stop girls from being forced into child labour or unsafe jobs. 

Which SDGs are currently at risk, and why

All 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have a number of targets to meet by 2030. According to the latest UN report (2025), only 35% of SDG targets (with available trend data) are on track or making moderate progress [1]. Nearly half are moving too slowly and around 18% have got worse.  

Here are the SDGs that are most at risk: 

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger 

Hunger and food security progress has stopped or gone backwards in many areas. Undernourishment and food insecurity is increasing. For example, over half of South Sudan's population, about 7.56 million people, face crisis or worse hunger levels. This is due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country. Over 2 million children, under five years old, are acutely malnourished [2]. In crisis settings, girls and most likely to eat least and last.  

2. SDG 4: Quality Education 

Education progress, especially in literacy and school skills, is still slow in many places. 

3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation 

Many regions still do not have safe water and sanitation services. Progress is lagging. Improper sanitation in schools can stop girls attending when they’re on their period. It can also mean longer journeys to access safe water. This can mean that girls need to spend more time collecting water as an unpaid chore instead of being in school.  

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 

Economic recovery and decent job creation, especially for young people and vulnerable groups, are not growing fast enough. 

5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities 

Inequality within and between countries remains high. The progress toward equal opportunities is slow. 

6. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production 

Sustainable consumption and production habits aren't improving quickly enough. We need to focus on reducing waste and pollution more. 

7. SDG 13: Climate Action 

Climate mitigation and adaptation measures are not enough. At this rate, global warming won't be kept within safe limits. 

8. SDG 14 & SDG 15: Life Below Water and Life on Land 

Biodiversity loss, species extinction, and ecosystem degradation continue at high rates in many places. 

9. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 

Conflict, weak institutions, and lack of access to justice remain serious barriers to development in many regions.   

Progress has slowed or even reversed for a few key reasons. Ongoing conflicts around the world play a part. Increased climate change effects also contribute. Rising inequalities and inadequate financing are issues too. Lastly, the lingering effects of Covid-19 have had a significant impact.  

The impact of global political shifts on gender rights

Global political changes can greatly affect gender rights. They shape the opportunities, protections, and freedoms for girls and women. Changes in government can affect laws and policies. They may strengthen protections against child marriage, gender-based violence, and workplace discrimination. But they can also restrict reproductive rights and limit women's roles in public life.   

Political priorities shape funding for vital services. Examples include education, healthcare, and social programmes. Cuts in these areas hit girls the hardest. Especially those in marginalised communities.   

Political instability, like conflict or civil unrest, raises risks. These include sexual violence, forced marriage, and trafficking. It also disrupts schools and healthcare. This hinders progress on key SDGs, including Good Health, Quality Education, and Gender Equality. 

Leaders also shape social norms and representation. Progressive governments promoting women’s participation in politics and the workforce. Conservative or populist movements often reinforce traditional gender roles. This limits opportunities for girls. 

How online threats and harassment are undermining progress

Online threats and harassment are major obstacles to gender equality. They impact the safety, mental health, education, and social participation of women and girls. These digital risks have real-world consequences. Especially as more of daily life, learning, and work moves online. 

How online threats and harassment undermine progress: 

1. Restricting education and learning 

Girls who face harassment in online classrooms, on social media, or on educational platforms might avoid using digital tools. This can lead to missed learning opportunities or even dropping out of school or courses. This slows progress on SDG 4 (Quality Education). 

2. Limiting freedom of expression and participation 

Online abuse, cyberbullying, and threats often target girls who speak up on social or political topics. This makes them hesitant to join civic discussions, take on leadership roles, or engage in activism. This undermines SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). 

3. Affecting mental health and well-being 

Frequent online harassment can lead to anxiety, depression, and trauma. This affects girls’ mental and emotional health, linking it to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). 

4. Increasing vulnerability to exploitation 

Predators use online platforms to groom or exploit girls. This raises the risks of trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse.  This compromises safety and protection efforts. It can reverse progress on multiple SDGs. 

5. Reinforcing gender stereotypes and inequality 

Online harassment often targets women and girls. It happens when they express themselves, pursue tech careers, or challenge traditional norms. This behaviour reinforces societal barriers. It slows down efforts for empowerment. This undermines SDG 5 (Gender Equality).  

Conflict, climate change and displacement as barriers to SDG Progress 

Conflict, climate change, and displacement block progress on the SDGs. They disrupt communities and weaken institutions. They hit vulnerable groups hardest, including girls and women.  

Conflict destroys infrastructure, schools, and healthcare systems. This makes it difficult to achieve goals like SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). It also increases the risk of gender-based violence, child marriage, and exploitation. This undermines SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).  

Climate change leads to extreme weather events, droughts, and rising sea levels. All of which threaten food security, water and education access, and livelihoods. This impacts SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This also forces communities to move or risk their health, slowing down progress.  

Displacement, whether due to conflict or climate disasters, forces millions to leave their homes. This often disrupts education, limits healthcare, and reduces job opportunities. Displaced populations are more vulnerable to poverty, exploitation, and social exclusion. This makes it harder to achieve goals related to No Poverty (SDG 1), Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Gender Equality (SDG 5). 

Are we on track? The global state of progress for girls and the SDGs

The annual Sustainable Development Report [3] shows that none of the 17 SDGs are on track to be met by 2030. Only 17% of targets are on track globally. However, most UN member states have made good progress on targets related to infrastructure and basic services. This includes mobile broadband use (SDG 9), electricity access (SDG 7), and the under-5 mortality rate (SDG 3). 

What this means for girls around the world: 

1. Gender Equality (SDG 5) sees some progress but remains weak overall. 

• Improvements in women's political representation and access to financial services are positive. But deep inequalities still exist. And many countries don't meet important gender targets.  
• Assessments show that progress on gender equality has stalled or even reversed in many areas. Millions of girls still live in countries with low gender equality. 

2. Education and health progress has not been fast enough. 

• Child health measures such as under-5 and neonatal mortality rates have improved. However, broader health and education targets remain off track. This includes issues affecting adolescent girls and access to quality schooling. 

3. Environmental and structural SDGs lag behind. 

• Goals like Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) show limited progress globally. These gaps hit girls harder. They face more food insecurity, health risks, displacement, and harm from conflict.  

Regional and national disparities matter. Countries with strong governance and resources, especially in Northern Europe, score well on SDG progress. In contrast, many low-income and conflict-affected countries fall significantly behind. This means that girls in poorer and unstable regions face greater obstacles to achieving rights and opportunities.  

Girls still face challenges in gender-related outcomes. This is because SDGs that support their well-being, like quality education, gender equality, health care, and safety, are not improving quickly enough.  

Conflict, climate change, economic inequality, and weak institutions remain major structural barriers. They worsen vulnerabilities for girls. They also slow progress on several goals at the same time.  

Some supportive indicators, like internet access and economic inclusion, show promise. However, global trends suggest that girls still lack the steady improvements needed to achieve equity by 2030.

What still needs to happen to achieve progress by 2030

To make real progress on the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the world needs urgent and coordinated action. We must focus on those being left behind, especially girls and young women. Governments must significantly increase political commitment to the SDGs. They should embed these goals into national policies, laws, and budgets. They can't treat them as optional or long-term aspirations. This includes protecting and expanding funding for education, healthcare, gender equality programmes, and social protection. Even during times of economic or political instability.  

Stronger action is also needed to advance gender equality. Progress on SDG 5 is both too slow and uneven. This means: 

• Enforcing laws against gender-based violence and child marriage 
• Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services 
• Closing gaps in education and employment 
• Supporting girls’ leadership and participation in decision-making.  

At the same time, governments and institutions must address conflict, climate change, and displacement. These issues keep undoing development gains. They can do this by investing in peacebuilding, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and support for displaced populations.  

We need stronger institutions and better accountability to make progress by 2030. International cooperation must also improve. Wealthier countries should meet their commitments on development financing, climate finance, and debt relief. This support is vital for lower-income and fragile states. 

To speed up progress, it's crucial to include young people, especially girls, in shaping policies and solutions. Without urgent action in these areas, the SDGs will likely stay out of reach. But progress is still possible. It requires ongoing commitment, policies that focus on equity, and global cooperation.  

How empowering girls accelerates every global goal

Empowering girls accelerates every SDG. Because educated, healthy, and equal girls create ripple effects across societies. When girls have access to education and healthcare, they are more likely to break the cycle of poverty (SDG 1), reduce hunger (SDG 2), and improve family and community health (SDG 3). Gender equality (SDG 5) enables girls to participate in the economy (SDG 8), drive innovation, and reduce inequalities (SDG 10). Empowered girls are more likely to protect the environment, strengthen institutions, and promote peace (SDGs 13 and 16). Investing in girls makes every global goal more achievable and sustainable.  

FAQ’s 

What needs to change to create a future where girls can thrive? 

To create a future where girls can thrive, systems must change. This needs teamwork across laws, institutions, economies, and social norms. This way, girls can be supported, protected, and empowered at every stage of life.  

First, gender equality must be enforced, not just promised. Laws that protect girls from violence, child marriage, and discrimination need to be enforced. Perpetrators must be held accountable. Girls need complete access to sexual and reproductive health services. They should also have the right to make decisions about their own bodies.    

Second, quality education must be guaranteed for every girl. This includes safe schools, trained teachers, and digital access. They should also have pathways into leadership, science, and decent work. Education systems should challenge gender stereotypes rather than reinforce them.  

Third, economic systems must work for girls and women. This means equal pay, good jobs, social protection, and family-friendly policies. It also includes access to skills, finance, and entrepreneurship. This way, girls can gain long-term economic independence.    

Fourth, peace, climate action, and strong institutions are vital. Conflict, climate change, and displacement hit girls the hardest. Investing in peacebuilding, climate resilience, and justice systems is critical. It can help protect their futures.  

Girls’ voices must be heard and valued. Girls should be included in decisions that affect their lives - locally, nationally, and globally. This way, solutions can reflect their realities. 

How do digital rights and online safety fit into SDG delivery?

Digital rights and online safety are essential to delivering the SDGs. Technology now shapes how people learn, work, access services, and engage in society. Without safe, inclusive, and rights-based digital spaces, progress on many goals slows or even reverses. This is especially true for girls and marginalised groups.  

Digital access and rights directly support SDG 4 (Quality Education). They enable online learning, skills development, and access to information. They also advance SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). This is through opening pathways to digital jobs, remote working, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. When digital spaces are safe, girls can engage fully in education and the economy. They don't have to worry about harassment or being left out.    

Online safety is linked to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Cyberbullying, online harassment, and digital exploitation harm mental health. They disproportionately target girls and women. This discourages their participation and reinforces inequality. Protecting digital rights is important. This includes privacy, freedom from abuse, and control over personal data. These rights help ensure technology empowers rather than harms.   

Strong governance of digital spaces also supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Clear laws and accountability for online abuse help build trust. They protect rights and reduce misinformation and exploitation. Transparent regulation of platforms is key to these goals.

References

[1] UN – SDGs report

[2] World Food Programme – South Sudan 

[3] Sustainable Development Report 2025