A Systematic Review of Community-Based Gender Norms Programmes and Intimate Partner Violence Among Youth in Kigali, Rwanda, 2010

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.