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Category: COMPEG

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Co-Creating Change: Localizing the Gender Policy with Survivor Voices

At South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO), we believe that the people closest to the problem should be closest to the solution. That is why we are taking a bold step co-creating a survivor-centered Gender Policy in Enugu State.

With support from the Ford Foundation, SSDO is partnering with the Enugu State Government to localize the National Gender Policy, ensuring that it reflects the lived realities of women and girls in the state especially survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

What Makes This Different?

This isn’t just another policy exercise. It’s a movement rooted in truth, justice, and healing. We are using the Oputa Panel method, a storytelling-based approach that centers survivor voices, turning pain into power and silence into structure.

Through this method, real voices become the foundation for real change.

Community Consultations Begin

The process officially kicks off in June, with community consultations across Enugu State. Survivors, advocates, traditional leaders, and everyday citizens will come together to shape a policy that is not only inclusive but also transformative.

We are listening deeply, documenting stories, and ensuring that the final Gender Policy isn’t just a document, it is a living commitment to safety, equity, and justice.

Join the Movement

This is policy shaped by the people, for the people, and we want you to be part of it.

Share this. Speak out. Stay involved.

Let’s work together to #EndGBV and build a safer, fairer Enugu State.

Thank you to the Ford Foundation for supporting this timely and critical work.

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The Cost of Justice: Call for True Stories Across West Africa

At South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO), we know that justice isn’t always free, and for many women, it comes at a high price.

That is why we are amplifying voices through The Cost of Justice: An Anthology of Women’s Voices and Resilience in West Africa.

This powerful collection will feature true stories of women who have dared to speak out, push back, or simply survive systems that silence them. If you or someone you know has paid a price for justice, your story deserves to be heard.

What We are Looking For

We are calling on writers across Nigeria and West Africa to share true, personal stories (up to 3,500 words) that reflect one or more of these themes:

  • Trapped in Silence – How does fear, shame, or stigma keep women from speaking out?
  • The Cost of Justice – What did it take to pursue fairness? Was it money, time, safety, peace of mind, or something more?
  • Gatekeepers – Who stands in the way of change or protects harmful systems?

Why Submit?

Selected writers will receive:

  • An invitation to a high-profile launch in Abuja or Lagos
  • A cash honorarium
  • Publication in print and e-book formats
  • National exposure across platforms

This is more than a book. It is a movement to expose injustice, name gatekeepers, and break the silence that surrounds women’s lived experiences in West Africa.

📅 Deadline: June 23, 2025
📤 Submit here

Whether you’re a survivor, a witness, or a writer with a voice that won’t be ignored, now is the time to speak. Let the world know what justice really costs.

Help us spread the word. Tag a writer. Share this call. Join the movement.

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Uncovering Hidden Harm: The Silent Struggles of Women in Southeast Nigeria

Imagine being married off to a tree.
Forced into exploitation.
Silenced by tradition.

For some women in Southeast Nigeria, this is not fiction, it’s their lived reality.

Through the Community Partnership for the Elimination of Gender Based Violence (ComPEG) project, South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO) conducted a baseline and community needs assessment in Enugu State. What we uncovered were painful truths that often go unheard.

Stories That Must Be Told

In communities across the state, survivors bravely shared experiences of abuse, harmful traditional practices, and systemic silence that strips them of power and protection. These are stories of women bound by cultural expectations, denied justice, and forced into lives not of their choosing.

Shining a Light, Driving Change

At SSDO, we believe that no story is too small, and no voice too quiet to matter. The ComPEG project is our commitment to amplifying these voices, challenging harmful norms, and working with communities to create safe, inclusive spaces for women and girls.

But we can’t do it alone.

We invite you to follow our journey, share these stories, and stand with us as we push for justice, dignity, and lasting change.

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International Women’s Day 2025: Empowering Women and Girls at Affa-Amaozalla Community

Women and girls play a crucial role in shaping communities, yet they continue to face barriers that limit their opportunities and rights. Recognizing the need to address these challenges, South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, marked International Women’s Day on March 13, 2025, at Affa Amaozalla Community School. The event was dedicated to educating women and girls about their legal rights and equipping them with the knowledge to combat gender-based violence (GBV).

Understanding Legal Rights and Protections

A key component of the workshop was educating participants on their legal rights. A Lawyer provided comprehensive insights into women’s rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, various gender policies, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP). She emphasized the importance of robust enforcement of these laws to safeguard women and girls from violence and discrimination. By understanding their legal protections, participants are better equipped to assert their rights and seek justice when violations occur.

Identifying and Addressing Gender-Based Violence

GBV remains a pervasive issue affecting many communities. A representative from TARMA-SARC led an informative session on recognizing the various forms of GBV, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse. The discussion also addressed harmful traditional practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriage, highlighting their detrimental impact on individuals and society. Participants were educated on the appropriate channels and mechanisms for reporting GBV incidents, ensuring they know how to seek help and support.

Engagement with Law Enforcement

To reinforce the community’s understanding of the role of security agencies in combating GBV, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and the Gender Desk Officer from Ezi-Nze Police Station engaged with participants. The enforcement of the VAPP Law and the state’s commitment to addressing GBV was reiterated. The DPO highlighted that under the law, offenses such as rape are punishable by life imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness with which these crimes are treated.

A Commitment to Sustainable Livelihoods and Inclusive Societies

Our overarching goal is to create a world where young people, especially women and marginalized groups, have access to democratic spaces, public services, and economic opportunities that promote sustainable livelihoods. By empowering women and girls through education and awareness, we lay the foundation for communities where everyone can thrive.

SSDO remains dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of women and girls. Through continuous collaboration with partners like ActionAid Nigeria and engagement with local communities, we strive to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate inequality and violence. Together, we can build a future where every individual, regardless of gender, can live free from violence and discrimination, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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16 Days of Activism: Community Advocacy – Sister Guardian Initiative

As we stand together as a global community, we are reminded of a harsh reality: 1 in 3 women worldwide experience gender-based violence in their lifetime. This staggering statistic is a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, observed from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), serves as a powerful catalyst for change.

At the South Saharan Social Development Organisation, we are proud to amplify this movement, advocating for a future where women and girls live free from violence and discrimination. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering, and we believe that together, we can drive meaningful change.

Recently, our team visited the Umode Community, and Obinagu-Nike Community in Enugu State, Nigeria, as part of our 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Our Gender and Protection Officer, Uchendu Blessing, and COMPEG Program Officer, West Priye, facilitated a critical session with the Traditional Rulers, their Cabinet, and the Sister Guardian Women of each Community. These incredible women, who serve as guardians and advocates for their sisters and daughters, are the backbone of our efforts to end GBV. They are the change-makers, the trailblazers, and the heroes who inspire us every day.

This initiative is just one example of our efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society where women’s voices are heard. We believe that by working together, we can challenge the status quo and build a world where women and girls are valued, respected, and protected.

What can you do to make a difference?

  1. Demand action and accountability from leaders to end GBV. Use your voice to advocate for policies and programs that protect women’s rights and prevent violence.
  2. Support frontline organizations championing this cause. Your contributions can help amplify their impact and create lasting change.
  3. Educate yourself and others about the devastating impact of GBV. Share articles, videos, and personal stories to raise awareness and spark conversations.

Join us in this fight! Together, we can create a safer, more equitable world where women and girls thrive. Let us stand united in our pursuit of justice, equality, and human rights for all. Let us celebrate the Sister Guardians and all the women who are leading the charge against GBV.

Follow us on social media to stay updated on our 16 Days of Activism campaign and learn more about our work to end GBV. Share your own stories, experiences, and messages of support using the hashtag #16DaysOfActivism. Together, we can break the silence and create a brighter future for all.