Asst. Dr. Alia Abdullah Hantoush from the College of Education for Pure Sciences Published a Scientific Article on “The Role of Women in Enhancing Community Response to Sustainable Development.”
Introduction: Women are one of the most important contributors to achieving sustainable development, and their role is no less important than that of men in supporting efforts for a sustainable future. With the adoption of the new Sustainable Development Goals by countries for 2030, the world once again recognizes the important role of women in achieving sustainability. There can be no social development without full gender equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination, and no environmental sustainability without the active role of women as key agents of change. This is what United Nations officials have emphasized at various events since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Building sustainable societies capable of meeting these challenges requires the concerted efforts and cooperation of all members of society. Every individual in society plays a significant role in the development process, and they are capable of making a positive difference in their lives and the lives of their communities. Investing in and developing human capabilities is an ideal investment for achieving sustainable development.
We note a significant increase in global interest in the issue of women and the need for their participation and integration in the processes of equality, development, and peace since the First World Conference on Women in Mexico City in 1975, the Second in Copenhagen in 1980, and the Third Conference in Nairobi in 1985. This was also evident in the outcomes of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. The results and recommendations of these meetings emphasized some important development concepts, such as the women’s empowerment approach, which aims to enhance women’s self-image, self-confidence, and value in the home and community. Economic Empowerment and its Role in Sustainability
One of its most prominent development contributions is that “women’s economic empowerment” through small or entrepreneurial projects helps create local job opportunities and achieve sustainable economic development. Women often direct their resources toward education and healthcare, which positively impacts the quality of life in society. Furthermore, women’s participation in the green economy, such as organic farming and renewable energy, has become one of the most important pillars of sustainable transformation.
The same applies to the role of women in community work and local development, where women participate in numerous local and community initiatives such as small environmental projects, education and health support associations, and volunteer programs. This enhances social cohesion and promotes effective responses to environmental challenges. Studies have shown that societies that empower women economically and socially are better able to address crises such as climate change and natural disasters.
This means that a supportive environment allows women to lead their societies toward a more just, stable, and sustainable future. This is achieved through the effective involvement of women in all dimensions of development, which is a long-term investment in the future of future generations.
