SDN

Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) is excited to announce the successful completion of a series of capacity-building training sessions in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom. These dynamic sessions brought together the HCDT Advisory Committee members and dedicated community-based Independent HCDT Data Reporting Agents. Our mission? To empower participants with essential skills for effective monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of HCDT initiatives in the vibrant Niger Delta region.

A highlight of the training was the unveiling of the I-HCDT Monitor, an innovative digital tool designed by SDN. This groundbreaking tool empowers communities to track projects, access essential information, and report on HCDT activities in real time, revolutionising engagement with development efforts.

The key takeaway from our sessions was clear, when communities are equipped with the right tools and knowledge, they can confidently demand accountability, monitor progress, and significantly shape their futures. We are inspired by the power of technology, especially when it is developed in partnership with the people it serves. It fosters information sharing, promotes transparency, and amplifies community voices.

SDN remains committed to advancing inclusive participation, strengthening local ownership, and driving accountability across development efforts in the Niger Delta, because lasting progress must be shaped by the people it serves.

Today, we joyfully celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and transformative contributions of women in Nigeria’s digital economy! At SDN, we believe digital inclusion is about much more than access to technology; it’s about unlocking opportunities, fostering economic empowerment, and tackling the structural inequalities that have historically held women back in the workforce.

Our insightful research, "Digital Delta: The Digital Gender Gap in the Niger Delta," highlights both the progress we’ve made together and the challenges that remain in ensuring all women can fully engage in the digital economy. While it’s inspiring to see that over two-thirds of adults in the Niger Delta are now online, we must acknowledge that women are still about 11% less likely than men to access the internet, leaving approximately 1.7 million women offline across the four key states in the region.

This gap is significant, especially as more economic activities, entrepreneurial ventures, and career opportunities shift online. If we don’t address this digital exclusion, we risk exacerbating existing inequalities. Additionally, our findings reveal that even among women who own smartphones, many lack the confidence, training, or awareness to navigate digital pathways that could lead to remote work, business growth, and active participation in the digital landscape.

For over five years, SDN has worked to dismantle these barriers by equipping women with essential digital and soft skills, supporting women-led businesses in harnessing digital tools, and advocating for policies that foster gender-inclusive digital ecosystems throughout the Niger Delta. Through initiatives like the "Reducing Digital Gender Gaps in the Niger Delta" project, we have proudly trained over 1,500 women and collaborated with civil society and government to ensure that women are not just connected but genuinely empowered to thrive in this digital age.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to equipping women across the Niger Delta with the skills, confidence, and opportunities necessary to shape the region’s digital future. Happy International Women’s Day!

We invite you to explore our report: "Digital Delta: Reducing Digital Gender Gap in the Niger Delta."

Read the full report here: https://sdn.ngo/reducing-digital-gender-gaps-in-the-niger-delta/

As we approach the end of the year, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the journey we have shared and express our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, beneficiaries, donors, and supporters.

Your unwavering support has been a tremendous source of strength for our work within communities, helping us deepen our connections with various stakeholders at regional, national, and international levels.

Together, we have made significant progress in promoting and protecting human rights, including the essential right to a healthy environment in the Niger Delta. As we consider the milestones we have achieved this year, we wish you a peaceful and restorative holiday season and a truly joyful 2026.

During this time of rest, we'd like to invite you to explore some of our published reports here: https://sdn.ngo/sdn-publications/

On December 10, 2025, SDN held an inspiring brainstorming session with representatives from the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) clusters in Rivers State. Our main goal was to work together to uncover the barriers that hinder PwDs from participating in elections and to outline impactful advocacy strategies for key stakeholders.

This gathering, coinciding with International Human Rights Day, highlighted the vital significance of empowering PwDs to take an active role in the electoral process.

Throughout our conversations, we crafted a detailed communiqué that clearly conveyed the needs of PwDs while proposing innovative solutions tailored for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Rivers, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and other relevant organisations.

It was a proud moment to share this communiqué with the press, especially as it bore the co-signatures of leaders from all six PwD clusters in Rivers State, including the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Rivers Chapter Chairman. This unified representation showcased the resilience and leadership of the PwD community, marking an essential step forward in promoting inclusive electoral participation.

SDN convened key members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and management committees from twelve Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) across Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Abia, and Rivers States for an enriching capacity development workshop. This vital session addressed the critical governance and implementation challenges posed by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.

Participants actively engaged with the “Plan Like Everyone Matters” framework, which emphasises gender-responsive community development planning, transparent procurement, and effective project delivery. They cultivated essential skills in conducting gender-sensitive needs assessments, formulating actionable community plans, managing budgets responsibly, and ensuring accountability through open bidding processes.

In this dynamic and collaborative environment, the committed participants developed Gender Action Plans with clear, measurable targets. This strategic approach equips them to oversee project lifecycles and achieve inclusive, sustainable outcomes effectively. With these newly acquired skills, the HCDTs are empowered to lead community development initiatives that uplift every member, particularly women and individuals with disabilities, thereby creating a lasting positive impact in their communities.