Social Development Direct

In 2023, SDDirect was commissioned by the UNICEF Evaluation Office to assess the effectiveness of UNICEF’s Gender Policy (2021–2030) and Gender Action Plans in supporting gender equality and adolescent girls’ empowerment. Our evaluation reviewed progress across UNICEF’s Gender Action Plans (GAP 2: 2018–2021, GAP 3: 2022–2025), assessing both programmatic results and gender-related organisational changes and performance enablers. The findings highlight key successes, areas for improvement, and recommendations to enhance gender equality across UNICEF’s programming and operations. Crucially, the evaluation has helped shape UNICEF’s next Gender Action Plan, informing its strategic direction on gender equality for the next four years. The findings, conclusions, and recommendations, along with UNICEF’s management response, were recently presented to the Executive Board, where UNICEF shared actions already taken in response. This evaluation underscores the power of evidence-based learning in driving meaningful change. Watch the discussion here (starting at 1:58): https://lnkd.in/dGawdWmk #GenderEquality #AdolescentGirls #UNICEF #Evaluation #Impact

It's so great to see our colleague Danielle Cornish-Spencer is a convenor for the "Learner Safety and Wellbeing" theme at this year’s #UKFIETConf in September. Abstracts are due by 21 March - more details on the conference and our involvement coming soon! #Education #SafeandEqualEducation

At SDDirect, we believe that every child deserves access to quality education in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Achieving this requires a holistic approach that addresses the diverse factors influencing a child’s learning journey. Through our Equal Education and Child Protection portfolio, we work with governments, civil society, and international partners to protect children’s rights and remove barriers to education. Our work centres on 4 interconnected areas: 1. Education: We work to make education safe, inclusive, and accessible for all children and young people, especially those who face marginalisation due to gender, disability, or SOGIESC identities. 2. Transitions: We create pathways for girls and boys to move into dignified work or further education. 3. Homes: We work to create home environments free from harm and built on equal rights. 4. Communities and Societies: We build inclusive communities that celebrate diverse childhood experiences and protect girls’ and boys’ rights. To learn more about our work and our "whole society" approach, visit our portfolio page here: https://ow.ly/BfRm50UTSmO Danielle Cornish-Spencer #Education #InclusiveEducation #SafeandEqualEducation

Education is our greatest opportunity to give an irrevocable gift to the next generation." – Ernie Fletcher This powerful quote reminds us that the gift of education isn’t temporary—it lasts a lifetime. By investing in knowledge and growth, we empower the next generation to rise above challenges, innovate, and make a difference.   Photo: A teacher and learner at the Accelerated Learning Holiday Camp supported by PLANE in Kano State, January 2025.   #UKNGEducation #EducateEveryChild #MondayMotivation #PLANEProgramme UK in Nigeria DAI Joan Keaney-Bray Zehra Zaidi Abiola Sanusi Nguyan Shaku Feese Innocent Chukwu Jose AKPLOGAN musa Jimoh Federal Ministry Of Education, Nigeria FHI 360 Social Development Direct The Education Partnership (TEP) Centre Diana Agabi Florence Chawai Blessing Akaka Ian Attfield Mikailu Ibrahim Ben French Rasheed Adebesin Akeem Odewale Musbahu Sahabi MEAL DPro G. S. BAMIDELE Lauratu Umar Abdulsalam (Ph.D) Atinuke Akande-Alegbe Juliet Obi

Resharing these impressive stats from the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub. As the technical lead of the Hub, we’re incredibly proud of the impact it’s had on small, local civil society organisations in Pakistan. These CSOs are at the forefront of safeguarding efforts but often lack the resources and support to drive change. That’s why the Hub puts them front and centre, offering free and accessible services that transform safeguarding from something complex and overwhelming into something clear and actionable. Check out the stats and learn more about the programme here: https://lnkd.in/dihQD3Fg #Safeguarding #RSHPakistan #DoNoHarm #CapacityBuilding #SDDirect

An estimated 246 million children experience violence in and around schools. Research shows that children facing violence are more likely to underperform academically, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalisation. The data is clear: when children are unsafe, they struggle to learn. When education is disrupted, the risks of exploitation, child labour, and early marriage grow. That’s why, last week, we announced that we were renaming our Equal Education portfolio to explicitly include Child Protection. Education must be safe, inclusive, and empowering for all children, and that means addressing the barriers that put them at risk. Learn more about our Equal Education & Child Protection portfolio here: https://lnkd.in/d6GcUvWe For more information, feel free to reach out to @Danielle Cornish-Spencer, Head of Portfolio. #EducationForAll #ChildProtection #GirlsEducation #SDDirect #SafeandEqualEducation

We loved listening to this interview with Amy Harrison by the The Equalities Resource Hub on the state of gender and equalities in 2025. At a time of global pushback on rights, from the US to Afghanistan, resilience and innovation are more important than ever. We must rethink our approaches to overcome these challenges. We couldn’t agree more with Amy on the need to center grassroots organisations, especially women’s rights organisations, and transform the way we communicate. What do you think? Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/d4Xdykbt

Why it’s crucial that we integrate children in our CAPSEAH work What does CAPSEAH (the Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment) mean for child safeguarding? In this second blog of our CAPSEAH series, Ann Kangas shares why integrating child safeguarding into CAPSEAH efforts is essential. While CAPSEAH provides a strong framework for organisations in humanitarian, development, and peace (HDP) settings, it doesn’t fully address the unique risks children face. From understanding social norms to designing child-friendly reporting mechanisms, this blog highlights why safeguarding children requires additional actions and commitment. Read the blog to explore why organisations working with children must take additional actions to ensure they are properly safeguarded as part of CAPSEAH work: https://ow.ly/4U7150UOsyg What’s your organisation doing to prioritise child safeguarding? Let us know in the comments or reach out to Ann Kangas at ann@sddirect.org.uk #Safeguarding #PSEAH #SEAH #ChildSafeguarding

This World Education Day, we’re championing safe and inclusive learning environments where every child can reach their full potential. At SDDirect, we believe that safe and equal education is the foundation for empowering children and young people to dream, grow, and succeed. Safe schools open doors to opportunity, enabling boys and girls to build brighter futures. Education must be a right, not a privilege. What does safe and equal education mean to you? Share your thoughts below. #EducationDay #InclusiveEducation #SafeAndEqualEducation

We believe in safe and equal education because every girl and boy deserves the chance to reach their full potential. To mark World Education Day tomorrow, we’re proud to share a blog by Danielle Cornish-Spencer announcing the relaunch of SDDirect’s Equal Education and Child Protection Portfolio. This blog highlights the inseparable link between #education and #safety. We believe that children can only thrive academically when their rights, safety, and well-being are prioritised. That’s why we’ve added “Child Protection” to our portfolio name and scope. From tackling violence in schools to addressing child marriage and gender-based violence (#GBV), our work focuses on breaking down the barriers that hold girls and boys back. This name change is more than a rebranding - it demonstrates our strengthened commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments where every child can learn, grow, and thrive no matter what. Read the full blog for more on the relationship between education and child protection, our whole society approach, and the inspiring projects we work on: https://lnkd.in/dzMiUZ7g If you’d like to discuss the portfolio relaunch or learn more about how we’re putting children’s education, rights and safety at the heart of our work, please get in touch in the comments or messages! #EducationDay #InclusiveEducation #SafeAndEqualEducation