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Shifting and transforming gender-inequitable beliefs, behaviours and norms in intimate partnerships: the Indashyikirwa couples programme in Rwanda
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 19:35 authored by Lyndsay Mclean HilkerLyndsay Mclean Hilker, Lori L Heise, Erin A SternThis paper explores the relationship between changes in individual beliefs and behaviours, couple relationship dynamics and gender norms – and how interventions can influence these. It draws on longitudinal qualitative research with heterosexual couples who participated in the Indashyikirwa programme in Rwanda. The couples followed a curriculum designed to improve relationship skills and reduce the gender-inequitable beliefs, behaviours and norms that underpin intimate partner violence. Qualitative findings show that the programme resulted in moderate, but significant, positive ‘shifts’ in individual beliefs and behaviours, couple relationship dynamics and levels of inequality - increasing men’s engagement in domestic duties, women’s participation in household decision making, and women’s access to economic resources. They also suggest which parts of the couples’ curriculum were most effective in catalysing these changes. However, the data also show that these ‘shifts’ occurred without fully transforming deeply-entrenched beliefs and norms around gender roles and male authority over economic resources. The paper suggests that the persistence of these beliefs and norms constrained the extent of changes among couples – and could potentially constrain their longevity and act as an obstacle to longer-term, larger-scale changes in gender inequalities and violence.
Funding
What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls Programme; G2186; DFID
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Culture, Health and SexualityISSN
1369-1058Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Issue
sup1Volume
22Page range
13-30Department affiliated with
- Anthropology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2019-11-08First Open Access (FOA) Date
2020-11-06First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2019-11-07Usage metrics
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