The Sister Guardian Initiative (SGI) is the flagship project of South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), focused on reducing gender-based violence (GBV) at the community level in Southeast Nigeria. With research showing that 35.7% of women in the region have experienced physical violence and 12% sexual violence, SGI addresses the lack of support structures in rural communities by establishing SGI Chapters—community-based women groups advocating against GBV and offering survivor-centered support through counseling, temporary shelters, and referrals.

Currently implemented in 19 communities across Enugu and Anambra States, each SGI Chapter is led by a ten-member committee including influential women leaders from religious, traditional, political, and economic institutions. The initiative also strengthens the capacity of law enforcement and health officials to respond effectively to GBV and works with traditional leaders to institutionalize community by-laws that protect women. SGI creates sustainable, grassroots-driven systems that promote gender justice and empower women as agents of change.