SSDO NEWSLETTER, VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1.

Welcome!

In the execution of some of our projects like Sister Guardian Initiative, Orphaned and Vulnerable Children’s Project, and the PAWED Project, we realize that so many households struggle because only the man works. Women are often subjected to unpaid labor, discrimination, and marginalization in their various communities. Now more than ever, the need for gender equality and women’s empowerment cannot be overemphasized.

The country is in a dire economic situation where all hands need to be on deck to ensure the continued survival of the most essential component of the society. Research shows that 60 percent of Nigerians living below the poverty line are women. If this is to change, women need to be able to access financial instruments to create independence and

increase household income. South Saharan Social Development Organization, SSDO is playing its part to empower women and improve the economic stability of households.

Access to information, resources, and funds is critical if the status quo in the nation’s current economic situation is going to change. Here’s how SSDO has been contributing its quota to the empowerment of its beneficiaries.

The Road to Financial Sustainability: The OVC Project

The 4GATES Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) project is a global action toward HIV epidemic control in sub-national units in Nigeria. South Saharan Social Development Linking them to treatment and monitoring their progress to attain viral load suppression. Beyond health, we understand that other facets of the beneficiary’s life matter in attaining wholeness. For us, the goal is not just to see them attain health stability but also financial and psychosocial stability. Here’s how we’re empowering beneficiaries to be financially stable and economically viable citizens. Click here for more info.

Building a Savings Mindset: Implementing Village Savings and Loans Association

One way to improve the financial stability of a family is by creating a financial plan and following through with the process. Savings is one such habit that can help a family in dire times. It provides a financial backstop for life’s uncertainties and gives a feeling of security. It helps with emergencies and purchases and can be a good starting point to financial independence.

We understand the importance of savings to the stability of beneficiaries and as such encourage Village Savings and Loans (VSLA) in our catchment areas: Enugu South, Nkanu West, and Nkanu East LGAs. South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) in partnership with the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria through the 4GATES Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Program empowers beneficiaries to make healthy decisions to improve stability. It is not enough to offer quick, one-time donations to beneficiaries. Beyond the emergency period, there has to be a sustainable mechanism to ensure beneficiaries can generate income for themselves. One such avenue is leveraging VSLA. Find out how we leveraged VSLA to help improve household income.

Success Stories From Jacob’s Well Micro-Credit Scheme

In many communities, women are largely dependent on their spouses for their financial needs. This dependence is one reason why women fail to report gender-based violence. They fear they’d lose their financial support and become stranded. Women’s empowerment is one of the practical solutions to reducing the cases of violence against women.

South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) is committed to improving the quality of life for women in communities. We empower them to be financially independent, thus reducing poverty and dependency. One such way we do this is through Jacob’s Well micro-credit scheme. SSDO makes loans available to women in a cooperative to start or sustain their business. Here are some remarkable stories from the project and how beneficiaries have been able to change their household’s economic situation.

Women Economic Empowerment: The PAWED Report

Women in South Eastern Nigeria face many hurdles in their quest for economic empowerment. They contend with gender discriminatory cultural practices and social norms, unpaid domestic labor, and low access to capital. These and other constraints keep women poor and financially dependent on their male counterparts. The development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), has partnered with South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), to form the Partnership for Advancing Women in Economic Development (PAWED). One of the first activities of the PAWED project was to form a coalition for Women Economic Empowerment, consisting of women- focused and women-led CSOs and WECS. This coalition was inaugurated in a 2-Day Advocacy Training and Inauguration of the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Coalition.

Infection and Prevention Control Training

Healthcare workers are the backbone of an effective healthcare system. Healthcare officials are often frontliners providing essential services at the community level. Based on the sensitivity of their jobs, they are frequently exposed to infections and diseases.

Understanding the constant risks healthcare workers are exposed to, WaterAid Nigeria and SSDO saw the need to organize a workshop to strengthen the capacity of health workers in Enugu state on infection and prevention control.

The training had health officials from different health facilities and agencies in attendance. Dr. Kachi Ugwa, a Community Health Specialist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, was on the ground to facilitate the workshop. The workshop covered topics such as environmental cleaning and disinfection, disease transmission, and precautions. Participants were better equipped on how to protect themselves and avoid being a source of infection to other patients.

SSDO Commemorates International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate women’s socioeconomic, cultural, and political achievements. It is also a unique opportunity for women to rally and advocate for equal treatment and representation.Since the inception of the SGI in 2016, SSDO has organised an educational event geared towards women’s empowerment. This year was no different as a workshop was held to create more awareness on the effect of gender-based violence and rally relevant stakeholders on the need to enforce GBV laws. The workshop featured participants drawn from 15 communities where the initiative has been executed. They include traditional rulers, President Generals, women leaders, government representatives and a representative of the Gender Unit Desk Officer of the Enugu State Police Headquarters. For more on the event,