The Joining Forces for Africa project is using an approach called Parenting without Violence, developed by Save the Children. The approach helps parents and caregivers to clearly understand their role and responsibility and how to support their child as they develop. The approach works with fathers, mothers, care givers, communities, and children to transform harmful and discriminatory gender norms, power dynamics and accepted practices that drive violence in homes, it also works with Government to strengthen systems and mechanisms that increase children protection equitably and in a gender sensitive way.
Emmanuel was one of 200 parents to participate in positive parenting sessions where they discussed and learnt topics such as family dreams and self-care for caregivers, right to be safe, positive parenting goals, caring for children with emotional warmth, and understanding children, their views and feelings.
Other important aspects of parenthood such as respectful communication and solving problems together or positive relationships helped Obaara’s and his peers to review their parenting vision and skills. Obaara’s change started during and after attending the positive parenting sessions.
Obaara committed to change his behavior when dealing with his family. Obaara reports having changed from being a tough father and husband to being a lovely and approachable father and husband. He says: “I take provision of basic needs a pertinent issue at home, I provide scholar materials to all my children equally including girls without forgetting sanitary towels.”
Because of these new interventions at home, he now enjoys time with his family members. He says he now enjoys playtime with his children. In addition, his children have developed confidence and self-esteem as a result of discussing and making family decisions together with them.
Stella, the 14 years-old daughter of Obaara tells how her father, for the first time in her life, accepted her decision: “My father wanted me to skip a class because he did not have enough money. Like many parents, he wanted me to go ahead. However, because I wanted to perform better, I explained that I needed to stay in the class I am supposed to be in.”
