Journal of Reproductive Health, Gender, and HIV in Africa | 25 December 2010
A Systematic Review of Community-Based Gender Norms Programmes and Intimate Partner Violence Among Youth in Kigali, Rwanda, 2010
C, l, a, r, i, s, s, e, U, m, u, t, e, s, i, ,, C, a, r, o, l, W, a, l, k, e, r, ,, J, e, a, n, d, e, D, i, e, u, N, i, y, o, n, s, e, n, g, a
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue in Rwanda, with youth in urban settings such as Kigali being particularly vulnerable. Community-based programmes designed to transform harmful gender norms have been implemented as a primary prevention strategy, but a synthesis of their effectiveness is absent. This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence on the effect of community-based gender norms transformation curricula on IPV among young couples in Kigali, Rwanda. A systematic search of peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted across multiple electronic databases. Studies were included if they evaluated a community-based gender norms programme targeting IPV among youth in Kigali. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using standardised tools. The review identified a limited number of qualifying studies. The available evidence suggests a promising association between programme participation and reductions in the acceptance of IPV. One study reported a reduction in the reported incidence of physical violence among male participants. A recurring theme was the importance of engaging both young men and women, alongside community leaders, to shift normative perceptions. Community-based gender norms transformation programmes show potential for reducing IPV among youth in Kigali. However, the current evidence base is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions regarding their efficacy and long-term impact. Further robust, longitudinal research with standardised outcome measures is required. Programme design should be strengthened by incorporating rigorous evaluation frameworks. Policymakers should consider integrating evidence-based gender norms curricula into existing youth and health services. Intimate partner violence, gender norms, youth, community-based interventions, Rwanda, systematic review This review consolidates the existing evidence and identifies critical gaps, providing a foundation for future research and programme development aimed at IPV prevention in this context.