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Twee jonge vrouwen houden bordjes van de SDG's vast

SDG 5: Working Towards Gender Equality

29 November 2022

Gender inequality is a problem that faces virtually all countries around the globe, including The Netherlands. Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) addresses this issue and urges to take action to achieve equal rights for all people, regardless of their position on the gender spectrum. SDG 5 works towards providing women and queer people with equal opportunities in all aspects of life, as well as to eliminate violence and discrimination against these groups, as well as child or forced marriages. Based on the SDG’s ambitions for 2030, The Netherlands is working towards being in the top 10 on the Global Gender Gap Report for Europe and North America.

Municipal Programs

It is important that everyone is able to show up as their authentic selves. There is recognition that this is a more difficult challenge for women. There are several women emancipation programs in The Hague. With programs such as Gelijke Kansen voor Haagse Vrouwen, the city continues to work towards providing: 

  1. Equal opportunities for women
  2. Women’s resilience on the street and at home
  3. Economic independence 
  4. Bring awareness to the importance of women's emancipation

Equality Across the Gender Spectrum

Furthermore, it can be challenging for queer people to achieve an equal standing and secure their full rights. The implementation of the Queer action program is aimed towards these issues. This initiative was created with the goal of making queer people feel safe, seen, and socially accepted throughout the city. Additionally, the municipality also provides an emancipation subsidy for organizations centered on women and queer people. 

Non-Profits for Equal Opportunities

There are organizations around the city working towards achieving SDG 5. Stichting Yasmin is one such organization and their mission is to help all women in The Hague. They give women the opportunity to develop themselves and meet other amazing women. Additionally, The Hague’s Schilderswijk neighborhood is working towards women empowerment. De Schilderswijk Moeders consists of a group of dedicated mothers throughout the neighborhood. They work together to lend each other a helping hand all while tackling a wide variety of issues ranging from finances to parenting. De Schilderswijk Moeders have won several awards for their outstanding work. The Hague is home to numerous other organizations tackling SDG 5, including Femmes for Freedom, an organization focused on defending girl’s and women’s rights. Also located in the city is COC Haaglanden, who advocate for LGBTQ rights. They work to combat discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation. COC Haaglanden also hosts monthly meetups to bring LBGTQ members and allies closer together. 


How can residents of The Hague do their part to support SDG 5? They can get involved with organizations in the city such as Stitchting Yasmin and WO=MEN who work on implementing SDG 5 into Dutch national and international policies. The list of organizations goes on, including International Women’s Contact The Hague, a women focused social and cultural club. Residents should also feel free to reach out to the various organizations that are fighting for gender equality and women's rights around The Hague.