Overall Objective:

The overall objective of SDG 8 is to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

Where the World Stands Now:

The world is not on track to achieve SDG 8 by 2030. In 2018, 204 million people were unemployed, and 600 million people were working in vulnerable employment. In addition, women are still underrepresented in the workforce, and they often earn less than men for doing the same work.

Specific Targets to Achieve under this Goal and How will Success be Measured:

The specific targets to achieve under SDG 8 are:

• By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• By 2030, significantly increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.
• By 2030, end forced labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.
• By 2030, substantially increase the number of small-scale farmers, family farmers, and rural entrepreneurs, including women, whose productivity and incomes have increased.

Success will be measured by tracking the following indicators:

• The unemployment rate.
• The share of the working population in vulnerable employment.
• The share of women in paid employment.
• The gender pay gap.
• The number of people with relevant skills.
• The number of people who have been rescued from forced labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking.
• The number of children who are working.
• The number of small-scale farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

Case Studies:

Progress:

One example of progress being made on SDG 8 is the case of Rwanda. In 2000, Rwanda had one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. However, the country has made significant progress in recent years, and the unemployment rate is now down to 11%. This progress has been driven by a number of factors, including increased investment in education and skills training, and the development of a more supportive business environment.

No Progress:

Another example is the case of Yemen. Yemen is a country that is currently in the midst of a civil war. The war has had a devastating impact on the economy, and the unemployment rate is now estimated to be over 50%. The government has been unable to provide basic services, and many people have been forced to flee their homes. As a result, the country is facing a major humanitarian crisis.

Actions Companies Can Take:

Companies can take a number of actions to help alleviate the issue of decent work and economic growth. These include:

• Providing fair wages and benefits to their employees.
• Creating opportunities for women and young people in the workforce.
• Investing in training and skills development.
• Supporting the development of a more supportive business environment.

Actions You Can Personally Take:

There are a number of things you can do personally to help alleviate the issue of decent work and economic growth. These include:

• Support businesses that are committed to fair labor practices.
• Buy products that are made by fair trade organizations.
• Get involved in your community and advocate for policies that support decent work.

Educate yourself about the issue and talk to your friends and family about it.