Changing Male Perception Towards Domestic Duties
Although Rwanda has registered remarkable improvements in gender equality, some men continue to shun domestic duties as reserved for women. Those that get involved in domestic chores often end up being ridiculed by fellow males as ‘inganzwa’ (a reference to a husband who is subservient to his wife), a tendency that discourages males from supporting their wives at home. However, one farmer has vowed to change this status quo.
Elaste Mbonimpaye (35) resides in Kabusunzu village, Isangano cell, Ndego sector in Kayonza district. He supports his wife at home but is always dismayed by the attitude of fellow males towards domestic chores. Luckily, he was selected by his community to become a male-gender champion. These are groups organized by Hinga Weze to mobilize males to engage in gender and nutrition-related activities. Through current community volunteers—150 male gender champions, 150 female role models, and 100 Youth for Change leads, the activity is mobilizing communities to adopt dietary diversity and proper nutrition. The aim is to improve the nutritional status of women and children and to increase yield and incomes for 560,000 farmers.
Elaste joined a care group in September 2018 and received training on gender equality and female empowerment with a focus on equitable decision-making regarding family incomes and equal division of labor. Leading by example, he showed how this has changed his household. That is all he needed to mobilize and train 30 farmers in his group and their spouses, who are now able to make joint decisions and divide home chores.
His wife, Nakure Médiatrice, is evidence of how increased support with childcare enabled her to have enough spare time to engage in the activities of a women’s savings group. She invested $43 (40,000 RWF) of her savings into a small retail shop of fresh foods and vegetables.
“I’m now closer to my children, while my wife is now generating income for the family,” Elaste said.
From the savings, they were able to acquire three additional plots of land, pay for community health insurance for the whole family, and buy scholastic materials for their children.
The family is still counting their gains. Nakure Médiatrice has since gained the confidence to make decisions at home, and that has opened many windows of opportunity. She now has spare time to educate other women on how to manage domestic affairs and also take care of herself.
