SDG Forum held in Miyagi Prefecture | © Seikyo Shimbun
The Women's Peace Committee has been actively engaged in SDGs Forums to promote people’s awareness of the importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2022. In 2024, they organized over 100 events nationwide in Japan, and about 15,000 people attended. They focused on SDGs such as 1 (No Poverty), 2 (No Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), 13 (Climate Action) and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). These forums show how each individual can contribute to make SGDs a reality by sharing members’ own efforts and experiences in their local communities. Below are two such examples:
Satomi Yoshida at the food pantry she has run since 2021, Aichi Prefecture | © Seikyo Shimbun
Satomi Yoshida: No Hunger for Children
Satomi Yoshida, a resident of Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture, has been running a food pantry and children's restaurants for free since 2021, based on her own experiences as a single mother, raising 3 children and running a café for 24 years.
Recognizing the significant amount of food waste, Yoshida established the food pantry to distribute surplus food to those in need, with the help of the local government. This initiative aligns with SDG goals 1 (No Poverty) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Satomi organizes the children's restaurants at local events, providing free meals to children. The children’s smiling faces drive her continuous efforts.
Yoko Tarui speaking at an SDG forum and sharing her experience promoting health and well-being in her local community, Nagano Prefecture | © Seikyo Shimbun
Yoko Tarui: Promoting Health and Well-being
Yoko Tarui, from Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, is promoting SDG goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through various initiatives.
Inspired by the support she received from her aged parents’ local volunteers during their last days, Tarui has been actively involved in community activities, including providing meals for the elderly and conducting wellness workshops.
Now retired, Tarui uses her experience as a junior high school gymnastics instructor to organize fitness classes at her community centers. Her classes emphasize the importance of strengthening the elderly people’s leg muscles to improve their overall health and prevent age-related diseases.
Tarui's commitment to community service and health promotion is a testament to the power of individual action in creating a healthier and more equitable society.
