A Study into the Influence of the Parenting Challenge and its Influence on the Perception of Gender Roles in Parenting in the West Nile Region of Uganda

Abstract

Parenting significantly influences a child’s development, enhancing competence and psychological well-being throughout childhood. Parenting programs are a common intervention in developmental aid, yet their efficacy in lower-income countries like Uganda remains under-researched. In post-war Uganda, the increased workload on mothers and persistent traditional gender roles highlight the need for effective programs to support equitable childcare responsibilities and promote balanced family dynamics. Help a Child initiated the Parenting Challenge (PC), a bottom-up, group-based approach aiming to enhance parents' knowledge, attitudes, and skills to improve children's well-being. This qualitative study examines the influence of the initial four training days of the PC on perceptions of gender roles in parental practices and beliefs in Uganda’s West Nile Region. By analyzing 40 interviews from 20 parents (conducted before and after the training), results indicated that the PC significantly influenced parental practices but had limited impact on beliefs about gender roles. The belief that fathers should be providers and mothers caretakers persisted post-training. However, there was a notable behavioral change as fathers began fulfilling their role as providers. This underscores the challenge of altering deeply held cultural beliefs and the need for continued efforts to address these issues through community-based interventions.