Working Toward Advancing the SDGs Today & Tomorrow

As we head into June, this issue’s theme of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the many ways NFBPWC members are already advancing them through advocacy, leadership, and community engagement feels fitting.

The SDGs provide a global roadmap for creating a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world by 2030 — and our work continues to align closely with that mission.

From advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment and workplace equity to supporting women’s health, education, economic empowerment, and leadership opportunities, NFBPWC’s priorities intersect with several SDGs, including:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The SDGs remind us that advocacy does not happen in isolation. Every policy conversation, community initiative, mentorship opportunity, and awareness campaign contributes to a larger global effort to improve lives and strengthen human rights.

This connection will be especially important as we begin looking ahead to the next session of the Commission on the Status of Women. The priority theme for CSW71 (March 2027) is advancing sustainable development and accelerating implementation of the SDGs in ways that promote gender equality and empower women and girls.

Now is the perfect time for clubs, affiliates, and members to start thinking creatively about possible parallel events. Whether your passion is economic equity, women’s health, education, climate resilience, leadership development, violence prevention, or advocacy training, there is space for meaningful conversations that connect local action to global goals.

Parallel events are a powerful way to showcase the work happening across NFBPWC while building partnerships and sharing solutions with advocates from around the world.

If you have been considering hosting or collaborating on a CSW parallel event, start brainstorming early. Think about the stories, programs, and advocacy efforts from your club or community that demonstrate progress toward the SDGs. Even small-scale local initiatives can have global impact when shared collectively.

June also brings several important advocacy observances and awareness dates that align with our mission:

Pride Month: June is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while continuing to advocate for equality, dignity, and inclusion for all people. Advocacy for gender equity must include intersectional approaches that recognize and support diverse identities and experiences.

Title IX Month: June marks the anniversary of Title IX, the landmark legislation prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. Title IX transformed opportunities for women and girls in education and athletics, and its continued protection remains critically important.

World Day Against Child Labor (June 12): This observance highlights the ongoing need to protect children from exploitation and ensure access to education, safety, and opportunity worldwide.

Women Veterans Day (June 12): A meaningful opportunity to recognize and honor the service and contributions of women who have served in the armed forces and continue to break barriers in leadership and public service.

World Refugee Day (June 20): This day reminds us of the importance of compassion, human rights, and support for displaced individuals and families around the world, many of whom face heightened risks of gender-based violence, poverty, and discrimination.

As always, advocacy can take many forms. It may look like contacting legislators, hosting educational programs, mentoring emerging leaders, volunteering in your community, or simply starting important conversations. Every action contributes to progress.

This month, let’s continue thinking globally while acting locally. The SDGs provide a shared vision for the future, and NFBPWC members are helping move that vision forward every day through dedication, collaboration, and advocacy.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and impactful June!

Emily VanVleck
National VP Advocacy
2024-2026
vpadvocacy@nfbpwc.org