GOAL #3

Gender equality and the empowerment of women, Goal 3 of the Millennium

Development Goals, is fundamental to all MDGs. It underpins efforts to improve health,
fight disease, reduce poverty, mitigate hunger, expand education, lower child mortality,
increase access to safe water, and ensure environmental sustainability. Attempting to
achieve the MDGs without promoting gender equality will increase costs and decrease
the likelihood of achieving other goals (“GENDER AND THE MILLENNIUM
DEVELOPMENT GOALS,” 2005).

The United Nations emphasizes that gender equality is not just a human right but also a
necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Women and
girls constitute half of the world's population and its potential. However, gender
inequality persists globally, hindering social progress. Women in the labor market still
earn 23 percent less than men on average, and women spend about three times as
many hours in unpaid domestic and care work as men.

Mbah and Ayegba's study (2014), "LANGUAGE AS A TOOL FOR ACHIEVING MDGS:
THE NIGERIAN SITUATION," highlights that achieving MDGs in Nigeria requires the
use of Nigerian indigenous languages. Women in Nigeria face significant
marginalization, particularly in political, social, and economic spheres. Discrimination
based on gender, ethnicity, and linguistic diversity is prevalent. Access to education and
information in native languages is crucial for women's empowerment. Benson (2005)
notes that girls who learn in their mother tongue stay in school longer and perform
better academically, based on research in Africa and Latin America. Women's literacy in
local languages enhances their economic and political positions, as well as their
decision-making abilities.

Dhiman (2023) suggests that education equips women with the knowledge and skills
needed to enter the workforce, earn income, and achieve financial independence. It
expands their employment opportunities, enhances their earning potential, and reduces
the gender wage gap. When economically empowered, women can contribute to
household income, make informed financial decisions, and positively impact their
families and communities.

The literature review recommends that governments focus on providing basic education
and access to information for women in their mother tongue. This approach plays a
significant role in promoting gender equality and empowering women, providing them
with knowledge about their rights and opportunities and the confidence to participate
fully in society. Language is also acts as a catalyst for change among women, enabling
them to express themselves freely.
 GOAL # 6

The United Nations emphasizes the healthcare of women and children as they
are the most vulnerable, encompassing men in the goal to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria,
and other diseases. HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases are priorities, with a lack of
information contributing significantly to these health challenges. People in
ethnolinguistic minority regions are especially vulnerable due to inadequate provision of
information in their languages (UNESCO, 2010).

In 2013, an estimated 35 million people worldwide were living with HIV, with increasing
access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) which has averted 7.6 million deaths globally,
including 4.8 million in sub-Saharan Africa, representing only 36 percent of those living
with HIV in developing regions. While 98 malaria-endemic nations have reversed
malaria incidence nationally in 2015 compared to 2000, malaria remains a significant
public health challenge with an estimated 214 million cases and 472,000 deaths
worldwide in 2015. 97 countries and territories, or 3.3 billion people, are still at risk of
malaria infection, indicating the need for further action (Max, 2016).

Edoimioya and Aghahowa (2014) stated that progress towards the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) is not equitable, particularly in low-income communities
facing complex language situations. Choosing the best language to engage with these
marginalized communities is crucial for achieving the remaining MDGs. Communities
worldwide are discovering that using their languages can help find solutions to MDG
challenges.

Their study titled “Language and the Realization of Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs)” investigated the importance of language in achieving MDGs and the level of
realization of each goal as it relates to language. The study found that language
significantly influences MDG goals, particularly combating HIV/AIDS and malaria, with
73% of respondents highlighting its importance. Language is a vital tool in combating
these diseases, and literacy plays a crucial role in prevention.

In conclusion, effective communication is essential in healthcare. Raising awareness in

local languages can be the best way to prevent diseases. Using local languages could
help achieve the millennium goal of combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases,
ensuring people's safety. Language facilitates the dissemination of information, helping
governments raise awareness about these diseases and how to prevent them.
REFERENCES:

LANGUAGE AS A TOOL FOR ACHIEVING MDGS: THE NIGERIAN SITUATION. (2014).

British Journal of Economics and Sustainability Development, Vol.1, No.1(no.1), pp.46-59.
Retrieved from https://www.gbjournals.org/wp-content/uploads/language-as-a-tool-for-
achieving-mdgs-the-nigerian-situation.pdf

GENDER AND THE MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS. (2005). ECLAC/CDCC

PUBLICATION, (17), 3. Retrieved from
https://repositorio.cepal.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/4448d65f-861d-4274-aee8-
87e48595c680/conten

M. (2016, November 15). MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other Major Diseases.
Retrieved from https://www.mdgmonitor.org/mdg-6-combat-hiv-aids-malaria-and-other-
diseases/

Language and the Realization of Millennium Development Goals (Mdgs). (2014). Journal of
Multidisciplinary Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST), 1(5). Retrieved from
https://www.jmest.org/wp-content/uploads/JMESTN42350215.pdf

M. (2023, October 19). United Nations: Gender equality and women’s empowerment. Retrieved
from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/

Dhiman, D. B. (2023). Education’s Role in Empowering Women and Promoting Gender

Inequality: A Critical Review. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4556375