SSDO Features in White House Democracy Summit 2021

South Saharan Social Development Organization, SSDO featured in Ford Foundation’s documentary on the importance of civil society and civic space for a vibrant democracy. The video draws attention to the relevance of civil societies by highlighting inspiring examples of the institution’s value in addressing complex issues. Ford Foundation presented this documentary at the Summit for Democracy organized by the U.S government.

SSDO has been a voice of advocacy championing good governance and education causes, specifically in the southeast region. We campaign and draw awareness to critical issues in society, such as water scarcity, and campaign to cancel the controversial life pension bills for ex-governors in the Enugu state. 

Democracy gives certain rights to you as a citizen, and one is a right to be heard. Another expectation is the protection of your human rights. Democratic governance goes in tandem with protecting human rights and the rule of law. But repeatedly, this right has been neglected or outrightly abused by the government who is supposed to protect it. 

The civic society is a key actor for bringing such rights infringement from mostly the community level to the front burners at a national scale. To ensure that laws and policies are enacted and implemented to resolve such issues. 

Advocacy is a tool civil societies use to call the government to order and ensure they uphold human rights. It ensures that citizens’ voices are heard, particularly the vulnerable or marginalized. To defend their rights, have their views sincerely considered when decisions about their lives are made. In a democratic system of government, advocacy is a critical mechanism through which citizens can make their desires known to the leaders. 

In this documentary, SSDO’s Executive Director, Dr. Stanley Ilechukwu joined his voice to other organizations worldwide as they advocate the importance of an enabling environment for civic space. 
Click here to watch the video.