Scenario 10

Funding Gaps Threaten Programs Supporting Women and Girls

An international organization works to provide education, health services, and leadership training for women and girls in multiple countries. Despite the urgent need, the organization struggles to operate effectively because of limited funding and resources. Without support, programs risk closing, reducing opportunities for women and girls to thrive, participating in decision-making, and building resilient communities.

Which aspect(s) of this scenario are you most concerned about?

Answer Choice	Points	SDG Connection	Description
Girls and women missing out on education and skill-building opportunities.	2	SDG 5: Gender equality, Target 5.5	Women are excluded from certain careers when they lack the necessary educational background or training.
	1	SDG 4: Quality education, Target 4.1	Lack of funding reduces access to learning opportunities, directly impacting educational quality.

Families and communities remaining in poverty due to limited economic support programs.	2	SDG 1: No poverty, Target 1.4	Women with an education can help with family finances.
	1	SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, Target 8.5	Women’s participation in skill-building and employment drives economic growth.
	1	SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, Target 11.3	Community resilience and access to resources are weakened without funding for inclusive programs.

Lack of strong governance and protections to ensure women’s rights are upheld.	2	SDG 5: Gender equality, Target 5.c	Policies on the inclusion of women and girls in economic, social, and other aspects of society are enforceable and ensure equal access to services.
	1	SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, Target 10.2	Governance gaps exacerbate disparities between genders and communities.
	1	SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Target 16.3	Strong institutions are necessary to enforce laws, policies, and protections for women and girls.

Inability to form partnerships with governments, NGOs, and donors for long-term impact.	2	SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals, Target 17.16	Partnerships are essential to mobilize resources, knowledge, and policy support.
	1	SDG 5: Gender equality, Target 5.c	Partnerships help scale programs that advance women’s rights.
	1	SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Target 16.a	Collaborative governance strengthens accountability and program implementation.

Inequitable access to programs across countries and communities.	2	SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals, Target 17.16	Partnerships help expand program reach and equity internationally.
	1	SDG 1: No poverty, Target 1.3	Unequal access leaves vulnerable communities trapped in poverty.
	1	SDG 5: Gender equality, Target 5.5	Women and girls in underserved areas, especially leadership positions, miss critical opportunities.
	1	SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, Target 10.6	Developing nations often have the fewest policies in place that ensure equal participation by and recognition of women.

Limited influence of policies and laws that support women’s rights and inclusion.	2	SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Target 16.a	In instances where a country lacks policies for gender equality, other nations can provide assistance in the development of these policies.
	1	SDG 5: Gender equality, Target 5.c	Limited policy influence undermines gender equality goals.
	1	SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals, Target 17.17	Collaborative advocacy can strengthen legal frameworks and policy implementation.