Reading the SDGs: Gender, environment, and peace

The SDGs are often associated with activism and international aid. However, you do not have to be able to initiate a social movement to participate in the SDGs. This article introduces three books relating to the Sustainable Development Goals, through which you can be involved from the comfort of your bed.

｜5: Gender Equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

All In by Billie Jean King

Reference: Amazon

All In is an autobiography written by the feminist and tennis player Billie Jean King. Her work to promote gender equality in the tennis industry stretches beyond the Battle of the Sexes, a 1973 tennis match King played against Bobby Riggs that has been adapted for screenplay. From Title IX prohibiting sexism in public educational institutions and establishing tennis tournament systems for women to fighting for gay marriage, King has contributed so much to this world.

Born in 1943, Billie Jean King has fought inequality with every new step she took. Although the world has not achieved complete equality, the book reminds us that we would not be here without her. All In is not just for tennis and sports fans. It is also recommended for anyone interested in social justice and inspiration in general.

◉Book details

Title: All In: An Autobiography

Publisher: Knopf

Published in: 2021

Page count: 496

｜15: Life on Land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

Reference: Amazon

The Island of Missing Trees is a fictional story about a family of immigrants from Cyprus in London, at the center of which is a fig tree. Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Kosta and Dafne meet at a tavern on the island of Cyprus and fall in love. However, they are torn apart by war. Years later, Kosta, a botanist in England, returns to the island in hopes of finding his old love.

As the details of Kosta and Dafne’s relationship are revealed, Ada Kazantzakis in London learns to see her history. The book shows the complexities of human relationships. Anchoring the boat was always one fig tree. The Island of Missing Trees reminds us of the grandeur of the natural world as well as its importance.

◉Book details

Title: The Island of Missing Trees

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published in: 2021

Page count: 368

｜16 : Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Infinite Country by Patricia Engel

Reference: Amazon

Infinite Country is a fictional story about a family torn apart by civil war Columbia and the United States. Mauro and Elena meet in a market stall in Columbia. With temporary vias, they escape the country with their first-born to the United States. They have two more children there. Having have overstayed their visas, Mauro is deployed one day. The family is torn apart, with the youngest Talia and Mauro in Columbia and Elena and two children in the United States. Neither is safe.

The hardships of living in midst of civil war and the instability of immigration status are just two of the many social issues contained in the book. The book makes us wish for a world in which there is no civil war and no one has to escape their country. Further, the book provides an opportunity to reflect on immigration, which has recently become a topic of international concern. While a fictional story, Infinite Country captures hardships in a very realistic manner.

◉Book details

Title: Infinite Country

Publisher: Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster

Published in: 2021

Page count: 208

｜End Note

The three books dive deep into the issues of gender, environment, and peace, all of which consitute important aspects of the SDGs. The books are great for reflecting upon the state of the world.

While the pandemic makes it difficult to take initiatives, you could continue to be involved in the SDGs through reading and thinking.

Reference:

https://sdgs.un.org/