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Category: Gender

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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.

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SSDO Conducts Focus Group Discussions to Tackle Exploitative Child Domestic Work in Southeast Nigeria

Following the high-level meeting organized by the South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, SSDO has taken further action by engaging directly with vulnerable communities through a series of focus group discussions (FGD). These discussions are part of an ongoing effort to address the growing issue of Exploitative Child Domestic Work (ECDW) in Southeast Nigeria.

While the formal meeting brought together key policymakers and government stakeholders to deliberate on solutions, the focus group discussions offered a platform for community members, families, and survivors to share their personal experiences and insights. The sessions were conducted in five communities—Eke, Umuode, and Adani in Enugu State, as well as Omor and Igbakwu in Anambra State—regions with a high prevalence of child domestic work.

Giving Voice to the Marginalized

The FGDs were not just a means of gathering information but a participatory process designed to ensure that the voices of those most affected by ECDW are heard. Community leaders, families, and survivors came together to speak candidly about the root causes of child exploitation and the challenges in seeking help. Many participants emphasized the role of poverty, cultural norms, and lack of education as key drivers of child domestic work. They also discussed the fear and stigma that often prevent families from reporting cases of abuse or exploitation.

By engaging these communities, SSDO was able to gain first-hand insight into the specific barriers that families and children face, particularly when it comes to accessing justice and social services. Survivors of ECDW shared powerful stories of their experiences, highlighting the urgent need for tailored interventions that address both immediate needs and systemic challenges.

Shaping Culturally-Sensitive Interventions

The information gathered during these focus group discussions will play a critical role in shaping SSDO’s future interventions. By incorporating the perspectives of those directly impacted by ECDW, SSDO aims to develop strategies that are both culturally sensitive and practically feasible. This community-driven approach ensures that proposed solutions resonate with local realities and have a higher chance of success.

Participants of the FGD were also informed of the ongoing efforts to strengthen legal frameworks, improve child protection services, and provide more robust support for families at risk. By involving community leaders and families in these discussions, SSDO is laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term solutions that address the root causes of child exploitation.

Making Change Happen From the Grassroot Upwards

These FGDs mark an important step forward in SSDO’s mission to combat exploitative child domestic work in Southeast Nigeria. The insights gathered will help refine interventions, ensuring they are rooted in the real challenges faced by children and their families. As SSDO continues to work closely with policymakers, law enforcement, and communities, the organization remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

The next steps will include synthesizing the insights from these discussions into actionable recommendations, which will form the basis for SSDO’s broader advocacy and community support initiatives. Together with community leaders, survivors, and stakeholders, SSDO is building a future where children are protected from exploitation and empowered to thrive.

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Empowering Data-Driven Change: SSDO Trains Enumerators for GBV Baseline Survey

In a significant stride towards addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in Enugu State, the South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, recently concluded a comprehensive training session for enumerators. This training is part of the Community Partnership for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence (ComPEG) project, aimed at eliminating harmful practices and norms that perpetuate GBV in rural communities through data-driven, community-based interventions. 

The training, which took place on the 27th of September 2024 at the Bridge Waters Railway in Enugu, brought together enumerators, supervisors, and key stakeholders from across the state to prepare for the upcoming baseline survey. The survey will be conducted across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Enugu State, providing essential data that will help shape targeted interventions to reduce the prevalence of GBV and other pressing social issues.

Why the Training Matters

Gender-based violence remains a critical public health issue, with long-lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities. The ComPEG project seeks to address these issues by engaging local institutions, including traditional leaders, government representatives, and community members, in driving accountability and reform. A crucial aspect of this effort is the collection of accurate, community-specific data to guide and inform future interventions.

The training of enumerators is an essential step in this process, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct the baseline survey efficiently and ethically. The training agenda covered a range of critical topics, including:

– An overview of GBV and its incidence in Enugu State.

– Ethical considerations in data collection and household mapping.

– Introduction to the mWater tool for data collection and analysis.

– Survey methodologies related to GBV, child labor, antimicrobial resistance, toilet financing, and poverty indicators.

– Role-playing exercises to ensure preparedness in real-world field situations.

By the end of the training, the enumerators were fully prepared to conduct the survey, ensuring that all data collected will be accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with the project’s objectives.

Collaboration for Lasting Impact

The SSDO team, led by Gender and Protection Officer, Blessing Uchendu, worked alongside representatives from the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development (MCGASD) to ensure that all enumerators were equipped not only with technical skills but also with a deep understanding of the sensitive nature of the data they will be collecting. During the session, Cheta Okonkwo Eze from MCGASD provided critical insights into the state’s GBV and child labor landscape, further emphasizing the importance of ethical data collection practices.

Additionally, participants were introduced to the use of mWater, a digital tool that will be utilized for data collection, making the process more efficient and secure. The data gathered will form the foundation for future interventions, allowing SSDO and its partners to focus resources where they are most needed.

Looking Ahead

Following the training, enumerators will be deployed across the 17 LGAs to conduct the baseline survey over a six-day period. The data collected will provide valuable insights into the prevalence, patterns, and drivers of GBV in Enugu State, as well as other intersecting issues such as child labor and antimicrobial resistance.

This survey represents the first step in a broader effort to create safer, more equitable communities in Enugu State. By identifying high-risk areas and establishing a baseline for future interventions, the SSDO aims to drive real, measurable change in the fight against GBV.

Our Commitment

At SSDO, we are committed to reducing GBV and promoting gender equality through innovative, data-driven approaches. The ComPEG project is a testament to this commitment, and we are grateful for the support of our partners, including the Ford Foundation, for making this critical work possible.

As the baseline survey gets underway, we look forward to sharing updates on our progress and the impact of our work. Together, we can create a future where everyone is safe from gender-based violence.

Stay Connected!

For updates on the ComPEG project and other initiatives, follow us on our social media platforms:

– LinkedIn 

– Facebook

– Twitter/X

– Instagram

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Inauguration Ceremony of the Enugu Technical Working Group for the Development of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy

The disparity between men and women in economic participation remains a significant global challenge. Research from the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report positions Nigeria at 130th on the Global Gap index, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced gender equality. Furthermore, World Bank statistics reveal a stark contrast in entrepreneurial participation, with women owning only 34% of businesses compared to 66% owned by men. 

Recognizing these challenges, South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in collaboration with the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) and the Enugu State Government, has embarked on a crucial initiative to domesticate the National Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy for Enugu State. This policy is designed to provide a comprehensive framework to address the needs of vulnerable women, serving as a vital planning tool for coordinating women-focused programs, projects, and activities under a unified umbrella.

The Significance of Women Economic Empowerment Policy

The National Women Economic Empowerment Policy offers a robust template to meet the diverse needs of women, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Its domestication in Enugu State is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs. The policy aims to streamline efforts, ensuring that all initiatives aimed at empowering women are cohesive and efficiently managed.

By bringing various women-focused programs under one roof, the policy facilitates better planning, coordination, and implementation. This holistic approach is essential in addressing the multifaceted challenges that women face in the economic landscape, ranging from access to finance and markets to skills development and legal support.

The Inauguration Ceremony: A Key Chapter for Women Empowerment

The journey to domesticate the WEE Policy in Enugu State began with the inauguration ceremony of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on July 30th, 2024. This event marked the commencement of a pivotal chapter in women empowerment in the region. The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Child, Gender, and Social Development, the Enugu State Bureau of Statistics, and the Ministry of Trade and Investment, among others.

The formation of the TWG is a strategic move to ensure that the domestication process is inclusive, comprehensive, and well-coordinated. The group comprises experts and stakeholders from various sectors, all dedicated to developing and implementing policies that will significantly enhance the economic empowerment of women in Enugu State.

Moving Forward: Expectations and Impact

The inauguration of the TWG sets the stage for a series of strategic actions aimed at tailoring the national policy to fit the unique context of Enugu State. This includes conducting thorough assessments of the current economic landscape for women, identifying key areas of intervention, and developing actionable plans that address the identified gaps.

The impact of a successfully domesticated WEE Policy cannot be overstated. It promises to create a more enabling environment for women entrepreneurs, boost their economic participation, and ultimately contribute to closing the gender gap in the region. Enhanced economic empowerment for women leads to broader societal benefits, including improved family welfare, increased community development, and overall economic growth.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Enugu Technical Working Group for the development of the Women Economic Empowerment Policy represents a significant milestone in the quest for gender equality and economic empowerment in Nigeria. The collaborative efforts of SSDO, dRPC, and the Enugu State Government underscore the importance of partnerships in driving meaningful change.

As the TWG embarks on this transformative journey, the anticipation is high for the positive outcomes that will emerge. Through dedicated efforts and strategic planning, Enugu State is poised to become a beacon of women economic empowerment, setting an example for other regions to follow.

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SSDO Organizes High-Level Meeting To Tackle Exploitative Child Domestic Work In South East Nigeria

Research by The Freedom Fund shows that 89% of children work in conditions that violate one or more of the Child Rights Act and 35 % enter domestic work before the age of 10. Studies from the International Labour Organization also show that Southeast Nigeria has the highest percentage of child labour in the country at 49.9 %. All these further indicate how serious this challenge is and the need to take action. 

Understanding the severity of this issue, South Saharan Social Development Organization, SSDO, in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development organized a high-level meeting to tackle exploitative child domestic work in southeast Nigeria. 

The meeting was an avenue to discuss actionable solutions and develop a structured framework for interstate collaboration on exploitative child domestic work and broader child protection measures.

The meeting saw key stakeholders including Commissioners of Gender, Police, Justice, and State House Committee Chairmen on Gender from states around the southeast deliberate and proffer solutions to curbing exploitative Child Domestic Work in the region. 

There was also a breakout session that enabled participants to brainstorm solutions that will be developed into a communique and form a road map for improved care for children. 

Aside from the research listed above that formed the basis for the conversation, SSDO also unveiled its research work, “Child Domestic Work in Southeast Nigeria: Legal Frameworks and Policy Recommendations” which highlighted flaws in legislations and marquee areas for capacity strengthening especially in the judicial sector regarding CDWs in southeast Nigeria.