Gender transformative approach to foster male participation in domestic work: A case study of the Bandebereho project in Burera District, Rwanda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.2.4.66Keywords:
Burera District, Bandebereho Program, Domestic Work, Gender Transformative Approach, MasculinityAbstract
This study explores the impact of the Bandebereho Program in Burera District, Rwanda, using the Gender Transformative Approach (GTA) and Judith Butler's gender performativity as its theoretical underpinnings. The program seeks to overturn deeply embedded gender norms by having men do household and caregiving work. The research subjects were the direct beneficiaries of the program (the couples who attended the educational groups of the Bandebereho program employing qualitative research instruments, including interviews, focus group discussions, and observation). The research subjects included couples, focus group discussions, and community health workers, and the informants were staff members of the Bandebereho project, a local government leader, and a gender activist. Before the intervention, women handled domestic work alone, thereby reinforcing gender inequality and household power relations, according to the study. The results are characteristic of drastic changes with the introduction of Bandebereho: men began contributing to childcare, cooking, and joint decision-making, and women reported reduced workloads, improved marital relationships, and improved responses. The intervention also encouraged greater community acceptance of men's involvement in domestic work, although there are still challenges such as stigma, cultural resistance, and issues around sustainability. The discussion situates these findings within broader GTA literature, and it shows that guided reflection, role modeling, and community sanctioning are crucial in changing gendered practices. The study concludes that Bandebereho offers an expandable model for driving gender equity, improving family well-being, and informing policy interventions in similar contexts. The study recommends that expanding Bandebereho or analogous programs need to be integrated with established community structures, including health centers, schools, and local governance systems.
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