One of the thematic areas of SUWA is the Household Economic Strengthening in Peace Building and Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) interventions. This is achieved through training on Income Generating Activities (IGA), financial education, and establishment of savings groups known as Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA), or Self-Help Groups (SHG).

The HES thematic unit of the organization is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring improved cash flow within households through establishment of VSLA groups. The VSLA group provides opportunity for members to save, access loan, and also benefit from a welfare grant (in case of emergencies) made available through the social funds. SUWA in active partnership with Churches and Communities in Plateau, Kaduna and Benue States conducted trainings within these states.

The VSLA is a savings group with 15 – 25 members, which could be women only, men only, or men and women together. The group runs for the period of 9-12 months referred to as a Cycle. Members of the group buy shares during every meeting according to their purchasing power. They also have the opportunity to collect loan. The loan a member can access should not be more than three times the value of shares they have purchased. Every group has management committee which is nominated and elected by members. Every group is guided by the constitution.

Within the period in view, a total number of 6 trainings have been conducted, leading to the formation of 21 savings groups under the different projects.