Organizations involved
CARE Rwanda, Rwanda Women's Network (RWN), and Rwanda Men's Resource Center (RWAMREC)
Summary
The Indashyikirwa project (2014-2018) sought to change norms and behaviors that uphold gender inequality and gender-based violence (GBV). The project used a synchronized approach to create sustainable social change, while engaging men, women, boys, and girls at multiple levels. This project was guided by the following objectives: 1) Women, girls, men and boys are empowered and experience positive behavior change; 2) Families enjoy positive relationships and equitable gender power dynamics; 3) Communities actively engage in and benefit from sustainable social change to prevent and respond to GBV; and 4) Evidence base is strengthened for community prevention and response for GBV. Indashyikirwa was implemented in 14 sectors in Rwanda, in predominantly rural, dispersed communities.
Social norms of interest
Gender equity; Gender-based violence
Behaviors of interest
Sexual violence; Gender equity
Project components
Indashyikirwa included four components: 1) Intensive participatory training with couples (couples’ curriculum); 2) Community-based activism led by individuals who had completed the couples’ curriculum and received additional training; 3) Direct support to survivors of intimate partner violence through women’s safe spaces; and 4) Training and engagement of opinion leaders.
Social norms measurement
Focus group discussions with vignettes
Key findings to date
The Indashyikirwa couples’ curriculum was found to contribute to a 55% reduction in intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by women and a 47% reduction of IPV self-reported by men.
Tools
