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

Welcome to SDDirect

Read more about SDDirect

Latest from SDDirect

How to prevent GBV in Emergencies

Gender-based violence is preventable and there is more evidence than ever before about what works. In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV, this latest infographic from the GBV AoR Helpdesk brings together key strategies for preventing GBV in emergencies.

Annotated Bibliography: Integrating GBV Risk Mitigation in Programming and in Foster Care Procedures for Adolescent Girls on the Move in Europe

This annotated bibliography includes key resources and guidance related to integrating GBV risk mitigation in programming and in foster care procedures for adolescent girls on the move in Europe, with specific focus on Italy. It also looks at relevant experiences and best practices related to this…

Graphic with quote featuring Rose Caldwell, CEO Plan International UK and Chair of the Board, Social Development Direct

Building equitable partnerships

How digital technology can promote women’s economic empowerment in Pacific Island countries

Finding Ways and Means to Deliver Gender-based Violence Programming in Hostile Environments

This learning brief discusses a range of strategies and methods humanitarian actors can use to support and sustain GBV response and prevention programming in hostile contexts. It outlines what ‘hostile contexts’ refers to in this paper, and why it is important for GBV program managers and service…

Investing in girls’ rights, their leadership and wellbeing

Young and adolescent girls understand their needs best – whether they are survivors of violence, child, early & forced marriage or female genital mutilation/cutting; in or out of school; living with a disability; pregnant or young mothers; from a low-income background; from minority groups;…

Building equitable partnerships

This report discusses the Building Equitable Partnerships initiative between Plan International UK and Social Development Direct and research findings from throughout the collaboration.

Preventing, mitigating, and responding to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) within AfDB operations

This Advisory Note is designed to increase understanding of the ways in which AfDB may conduct due diligence with a view to addressing, mitigating and preventing SEAH in the projects it finances. For that purpose, it summarizes the AfDB’s own policies; notes where these policies have gaps; and…

Gender-Based Violence and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Opportunities and Risks for Women and Girls in Humanitarian Settings

This learning brief provides an initial introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its links to Gender-Based Violence (GBV). It begins with an overview of key terms associated with AI relevant to GBV actors and summarizes current learning around how AI can exacerbate GBV in humanitarian…

GBViE Technical Orientation and Coaching Support

Did you know the GBV AoR Helpdesk provides technical orientation and coaching support for GBV responders in emergencies? The GBV AoR Helpdesk offers confidential GBViE Technical Orientation and Coaching Support to humanitarian actors who are responding to and preventing GBV in crisis-affected…

Evidence Digest, Issue 17: Focus on Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) around the world

This evidence digest from the Disability Inclusion Helpdesk focuses on the global landscape of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). It includes the latest research, evidence, tools and webinars on topics including, the challenges and barriers facing OPDs and guidance on how to work…

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Infrastructure Cheat Sheet

Infrastructure is vital for societal development and economic progress, but benefits are often not distributed equally. This cheat sheet provides information for policy makers and programme staff on how to mainstream gender equality, disability and social inclusion into infrastructure initiatives…

Lusungu Kalanga in front of the Women Deliver conference sign in Kigali.

Reflections from the Women Deliver 2023 conference

I’m still recovering from a great week spent in Kigali for the Women Deliver Conference 2023. This event saw over 6,000 delegates come together under the theme; Spaces, Solidarity, Solutions. I felt privileged to navigate this space with fellow feminist colleagues and yes, hundreds of selfies were…

SDDirect briefing on the LGBTIQ+ rights crisis in Uganda: Reports from the ground

This resource summarises the current situation in Uganda for LGBTQI+ representing people since the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (2023). It includes evidence of impact, response from humanitarian groups and workers so far, and more. This briefing contains some graphic details from…

Disability Rights and Inclusion in Timor-Leste - Disability Inclusion Helpdesk, Query 106

This query presents the latest evidence on disability inclusion and rights in Timor-Leste, including in key sectors such as governance, climate change, health, and social protection. Drawing on a literature review and interviews with organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and the…

Query 32 - Disability Inclusive Programming Training for Private Sector Development Advisors

This resource is a training for private sector development (PSD) advisors on how to implement disability inclusion in programming. It provides an overview of persons with disabilities in the development sphere, why it is key to include disability inclusion in programming and the impacts of when…

Technology- Facilitated Gender- Based Violence: Preliminary Landscape Analysis

This report examines technology-facilitated gender-based violence, highlighting the impacts of online violence towards women and girls in their interaction with social and political spaces, as well as the impacts towards their physical and mental health. With emerging technologies, such as…

Guest blog: promoting the inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people with disabilities

Written by Nu People with disabilities are not a homogenous group and are likely to face additional barriers or discrimination based on other aspects of their identity, including their age, race and their sexuality or gender identity. Despite this, there is a lack of evidence and resources on…

Violence against LGBTQI+ people – A hidden pandemic

Navigating the threat of violence and discrimination is part of queer people’s everyday reality – it is there when and where you choose to reach after someone’s hand, in how you answer questions about your personal life, and in how you choose to express your identity in the world. For many lesbian…

Disability inclusion in climate justice frameworks and environmental and climate risk assessment processes

This query considers how disability inclusion is integrated into climate justice frameworks and environmental and climate risk assessment processes. It concludes with key considerations for ensuring people with disabilities are included in analysis of risk and do no harm in climate, energy, and…