We provide specialist programme management, research and monitoring and evaluation services.

We design and deliver programmes which create a lasting positive impact in the societies and communities we work with and for.

We work with partners to achieve sustainable impact in gender equality and social inclusion and to advance policies, laws, social norms and institutions that work for everyone.

SDDirect provides high-quality, innovative social development expertise to civil society, the private sector, multilateral institutions and governments.

Leading global provider of innovative gender equality and social inclusion consultancy and research

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Latest from SDDirect

Evidence digest focus issue: Disability inclusion in conflict & humanitarian response

Social Development Direct (SDDirect) Capability Statement on Disability Inclusion – March 2025

Information about people with disabilities and inclusive urban development and infrastructure

Evidence digest focus issue: Education and Disability Inclusion

Supporting Companies to Develop and Manage Community-Based Grievance and Feedback Mechanisms Regarding Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment

SDDirect was contracted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support companies to better manage the risk of SEAH in their operations. A company self-assessment tool previously developed by SDDirect with IFC in 2021 was piloted with a small number of companies alongside the development…

Child safeguarding in emergencies guidance series

This series of tip sheets that have been designed to help civil society organisations (CSOs) implement child safeguarding practices in emergency contexts. It is a three-part series helping CSOs to focus on: Understanding safeguarding risk (part 1) Preventing child…

What’s next for safeguarding against SEAH? – The importance of civil society organisations' engagement in shaping sustainable solutions: A Conference for CSOs

This online conference was arranged by RSH to inspire reflection, foster collaboration, and set the stage for continued advocacy in advancing the PSEAH (Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment) agenda. It brought together civil society organisations (CSOs), thought leaders…

Pocket guide: Safeguarding people with disabilities in civil society organisation (CSO) programmes in Bangladesh

This pocket guide has been developed to support CSOs in Bangladesh to safeguard people with disabilities. It is a contextualised version of a global guidance note on disability-inclusive safeguarding practices. The guide may be useful for all staff, especially those working in programmes,…

Assessing and managing SEAH risks while working in informal camp settlements in Pakistan

This how-to note provides a comprehensive guide on assessing and managing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH) risks in informal camp settings in Pakistan during humanitarian and emergency response. SEAH risks are often higher in informal camps than in formal ones due to the lack…

Why it’s crucial that we integrate children in our CAPSEAH work

Building safe and equal futures: Launching SDDirect’s Equal Education & Child Protection Portfolio

Danielle Cornish-Spencer, Head of Portfolio for Equal Education & Child Protection at SDDirect, brings over 20 years’ expertise in gender equality, disability inclusion, and social justice. A passionate advocate for safe and inclusive education, she leads transformative…

Eight reasons why endorsing CAPSEAH should be on your 2025 safeguarding bucket list!

Reflections on CoP 26 and the opportunities for women in the voluntary carbon markets

By Sue Phillips Sue Phillips reflects on the opportunities presented by voluntary carbon markets to empower women and promote gender equality. From COP26 agreements to gender-focused initiatives, this blog discusses how climate finance can drive inclusive projects and amplify women's roles in…

Putting gender equality and social inclusion at the heart of climate justice

By Rebekah Martin Rebekah Martin delves into the intersection of climate action, gender equality, and social inclusion, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policies at COP26. Discover how climate processes can better address the needs of marginalised groups, contributing to equitable outcomes…

Why financing for loss and damage must be discussed at COP26

By Adessou Kossivi Explore the pressing need for dedicated financing to address loss and damage caused by climate-induced hazards. This blog by Adessou Kossivi from Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR) highlights the disproportionate impact on…

From Beijing and beyond: Now is the time to accelerate our commitment to feminist principles in humanitarian action

We must remember that feminist principles and approaches are not mere theory. They include practical strategies for shaping more effective and just humanitarian responses. At the heart of this work is leadership of affected communities, especially leadership that is by women, for…

Learning lessons from Toose: a global webinar on the SAFE Programme’s IPV model, 10 December 2024

To mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the SAFE Programme held a webinar to share learning from its Toose model on the prevention of intimate partner violence (IPV). During the event the SAFE team’s Netty Musanhu and Hind M’hamdi gave this presentation on the…

Supporting organisations at the frontline of caring for child survivors

During these 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Social Development Direct (SDDirect) colleagues Clare Hollowell and Hanna Smit are focusing on child survivors of sexual abuse, by facilitating a training on the new Caring for Child Survivors guidelines, jointly…

What I learned about gender equality and Indigenous leadership at COP16

"The forest is everything to us". Biodiversity loss is a major issue for people and planet. We are currently on track to lose over 1,000,000 animal and plant species within the next decades. The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP) provides a space for…

Nigerian women farmers at the frontline of climate change

For many Nigerians, the climate crisis is a harsh reality. In 2024 alone, a scorching heat wave swept across the country and the North was hit particularly hard by severe flooding. In September 2024, a dam collapsed in Maiduguri and flooded half of Borno State’s capital city. Communities…