Lessons learned from implementing Indashyikirwa in Rwanda- an adaptation of the SASA! approach to prevent and respond to intimate partner violence

• Main Authors: Martins, S. (Author), Stefanik, L. (Author), Stern, E. (Author), Uwimpuhwe, S. (Author), Yaker, R. (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2018
• Subjects: Adaptation; adaptive management; adult; article; community participation; Community Participation; curriculum; domestic violence; drawing; evidence based practice center; female; Female; gender identity; Gender Identity; gender issue; gender relations; health promotion; Health Promotion; human; human experiment; Humans; Implementation fidelity; Intimate partner violence; Intimate Partner Violence; leadership; male; Male; organization and management; partner violence; patient referral; policy implementation; prevention; prevention and control; procedures; program evaluation; Program Evaluation; qualitative analysis; Referral and Consultation; Rwanda; staff; survivor; training; Uganda; voice; womens status
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher

 This paper reviews adaptation processes of the Indashyikirwa program in Rwanda, a four-year program to prevent intimate partner violence, implemented by CARE Rwanda, Rwanda Men's Resource Center (RWAMREC) and Rwanda Women's Network (RWN). Indashyikirwa is a blended approach of evidence-based programming, primarily drawing on SASA! developed by Raising Voices in Uganda, as well as program innovations. Indashyikirwa consists of four major components; 1) a five-month curriculum with couples to support equitable, non-violent relationships, 2) supporting a sub-set of trained couples to engage in community activism for an additional two years, 3) establishment of women's safe spaces for dedicated support and referral of IPV survivors, 4) training and engaging opinion leaders to support an enabling environment for IPV prevention and response. This paper is based on implementation experience and qualitative evaluation research conducted at various time points with trained couples, women's safe space attendees and facilitators, opinion leaders and programme staff, as well as observations of program activities. The SASA! fidelity brief, which highlights key principles for adaptation of the program, guided the framing of the findings. Lessons learned around adaptation of such programs are offered. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd