During the first half of 2024, Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) and Soka Gakkai Singapore (SGS) held events promoting the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. These events underscored the importance of gender equality in diverse sectors, including health, economic development and leadership.

Gender Equality Workshop for Economically Disadvantaged Women

In commemoration of International Women’s Day on 9 March 2024, BSG, in collaboration with Pedal On—a Delhi-based NGO working with women from marginalized communities—conducted its sixth workshop for economically disadvantaged women in India. The workshop sought to raise awareness on the importance of gender equality which aligns with SDG 5. Through interactive sessions, participants explored concepts such as moving from “ME to WE” and discussed the societal impact of empowered women. The event concluded with participants committing to work toward gender equality alongside other women.

Soka Women Lecture Series: Health and Empowerment

Also marking International Women’s Day on 9 March, SGS held the sixth event in its Soka Women Lecture series in collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS) at the SGS Headquarters. The lecture, titled “Lifestyles-based Interventions for the Prevention of Dementia,” drew 400 participants. Dr. Feng Lei, Principal Investigator and Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at NUS, provided insights into how healthy lifestyle changes can delay the onset of dementia. This event contributed to SDG 3 on promoting good health and well-being for all ages.

BSG’s Fourth Women’s Symposium: Shaping a New Society

On 26 June, BSG hosted its fourth Women’s Symposium at the BSG headquarters in New Delhi. Themed “Breaking Barriers: Women Shaping a New Society for the Dignity of Life,” the hybrid symposium attracted nearly 6,000 participants. The event featured addresses by Professor Bijayalaxmi Nanda, Principal of Miranda House College at the University of Delhi; Dr. Rita Jairath, Director of Ritambe Nutrition Pvt. Ltd. and bodybuilding athlete; Ms. Archana Dutta, Co-founder and CEO of Pedal On and Second Act; and Ms. Namrta Bangia, Senior Director of Global Mass Transit, AV America and Southeast Asia Infrastructure. The speakers discussed women’s role in breaking societal barriers. Prof. Nanda emphasized the importance of creating supportive networks dedicated to equity and empathy. Dr. Jairath highlighted the significance of taking incremental steps to overcome challenges. And Ms. Dutta and Ms. Bangia focused on leadership and overcoming self-doubt through building courage.

These events by BSG and SGS were part of SGI’s ongoing efforts contributing to the global movement toward gender equality and sustainable development.