Men as Allies: Transforming Gender Norms in Conservative Communities

The Context

In traditional communities in Oromia, deep-rooted gender norms limited women’s participation in decision-making. Key challenges included:

  • Women excluded from community leadership (0% representation)
  • Early marriage rate: 45%
  • Domestic work burden: Women worked 16 hours/day vs men’s 8 hours
  • Limited mobility and economic opportunities for women

ACEO’s Innovative Approach

Instead of only working with women, we engaged men as allies through:

1. Men’s Dialogue Groups

  • Formed 15 groups with 300 men
  • Discussed benefits of gender equality
  • Addressed masculinity stereotypes
  • Shared household responsibility training

2. Couples Workshops

  • Joint decision-making exercises
  • Family budgeting together
  • Childcare responsibility sharing
  • Conflict resolution skills

3. Community Champions

  • Trained 50 male community leaders as advocates
  • Religious leaders engaged in scripture reinterpretation
  • Elders recognized as change agents

4. Economic Incentives

  • Joint business grants for couples
  • Men supporting women’s enterprises
  • Shared property ownership encouraged

Measurable Changes (3-Year Impact)

Attitudinal Changes

  • Men supporting girls’ education: Increased from 25% to 85%
  • Men sharing domestic work: Increased from 10% to 65%
  • Men opposing early marriage: Increased from 30% to 90%

Structural Changes

  • Women in community leadership: Increased from 0% to 40%
  • Early marriage rate: Decreased from 45% to 10%
  • Women’s economic participation: Increased from 20% to 70%
  • Domestic violence reports: Decreased by 75%

Success Stories

Ahmed’s Transformation

Ahmed, a 38-year-old farmer, initially resisted the program. “I thought it was against our culture,” he admits. After joining a men’s dialogue group, he began to see things differently. He now:

  • Shares cooking and childcare with his wife
  • Supported his daughter to complete high school
  • Advocates for women’s leadership in community meetings
  • Co-owns a small business with his wife

“I realized that when my wife has time and resources, our whole family benefits. Our income doubled, our children are happier, and we make decisions together. This is true partnership,” says Ahmed.

Community Leadership Shift

The kebele council now has 5 women out of 12 members. Council chairman Mr. Lemma says: “We were missing half the brain power. Women bring different perspectives and solutions. Our community development plans are now more comprehensive and effective.”

Sustainability

The program created self-sustaining mechanisms:

  • Men’s groups now operate independently
  • Community gender committees established
  • Local government allocated budget for gender programs
  • School curriculum includes gender equality

Testimonial

“Changing men’s minds was the key. When men become allies, cultural transformation happens faster and goes deeper. This model should be replicated across Ethiopia,” says Dr. Selamawit, Gender Program Manager.