The Integrated Health First - Livelihoods Model

Shared Action Africa supports refugee and host community women and girls to move beyond aid by connecting three parts of the journey that are too often treated separately:

Reproductive health and wellbeing - so women can participate consistently.

Income pathways - so women can save, earn, and build more stable livelihoods.

Agency and leadership - so women can shape the systems, resources, and decisions that affect their lives.

How the Model Works

Reproductive Health + Income Generation + Women-led Leadership = Improved Livelihoods & Self-Reliance

1. Reproductive Health: enabling participation

SAA strengthens government health systems to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services, including;

• Family planning, 
• Cervical cancer screening, 
• Adolescent-friendly health information, 
• referrals, menstrual health support, and 
• peer-led outreach. 

The goal is not health as a standalone service. It is health as the foundation that allows women and girls to stay engaged in learning, earning, and leading.

2. Income Generation: two connected pathways to income

Once barriers to participation begin to reduce, women and girls move into income pathways suited to their age, needs, and circumstances.

Livelihood Pathway – 18-month Graduation Program

Adult women join Savings and Business Groups and receive long-term support through;

• Savings and small loans
• Financial Literacy Education 
• Business training, 
• climate-smart agriculture 
• Market access, 
• coaching. 

The aim is stable, diversified income over time.

Workforce Pathway – 10- Week Learn and Earn Fellowship Program

Young women complete practical training and transition into paid community roles as 

• Peer Educators, 
• Village Health Trainers
• Community Agriculture Trainers, and 
• Community Financial and Enterprise Facilitators.

They earn income while strengthening local services for others.

3. Agency: Women Leading Change 

Women are supported to build confidence, voice, and bargaining power. Through groups, peer networks, and advocacy, they engage with local leaders, health providers, market actors, and community structures to improve access to services, land, resources, and opportunity.