In many communities, deeply rooted gender norms shape who makes decisions, who controls resources, and whose voices matter at home — often with direct consequences for nutrition, health, and family wellbeing. The GENTU Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and led by Action Against Hunger, works to challenge these patterns through a gender-transformative approach that empowers women and girls while engaging men and community leaders as allies. By promoting shared decision-making, respectful relationships, and equitable access to resources, GENTU is helping families break cycles of hunger and inequality.
Below, Aleper Ekochil reflects what this transformation can look like in practice. A father from Natataparakwangan village in Uganda’s Moroto District, Aleper describes how participating in GENTU-supported household dialogue sessions and trainings reshaped not only his relationship with his wife, but the future of his family.
My name is Aleper Ekochil. I am a 36-year-old father from Natataparakwangan village in Loputuk sub-county, Moroto District. As a Karamojong man, I was deeply rooted in cultural beliefs that women must respect men and serve them. These were the practices passed down by our grandfathers, and I followed them. I made all household decisions alone and did not recognize my wife’s efforts at home. I spent most of my time with other men and never helped with childcare, cooking, or farm work.
When there was no food for the children, we argued and fought. I used to be violent. I beat my wife and often failed to provide for my family.
One day, our local leaders and Action Against Hunger staff invited us to a community meeting and selected us to join a group. My wife and I attended five days of training, which included sessions around joint decision-making, financial management, and gender-based violence.
These sessions helped us understand each other better and challenge harmful traditions. We were encouraged to communicate openly, live peacefully, and work as a team. Seeing other couples’ change also inspired us. One friend who joined the training now works alongside his wife in their garden, and their home is more peaceful.
After the training, we began talking openly as a family. I started involving my wife in decisions, and we began sharing responsibilities — caring for the children, farming, and managing the home. My wife became more confident, and our children began to see the value of cooperation and respect.
We now plan and budget together. Before, I spent much of our money on alcohol. Now, we’ve joined a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) and save 15,000 shillings each week (about 6 CAD). We plan to increase our savings next year. Community leaders and trainers continue to support us, helping us create budgets and stay committed to unity at home.
The biggest change has been the peace and harmony in our household. We respect each other more, and the fighting has reduced. We enjoy working together and making joint decisions. At first, it was difficult to let go of the belief that men must control everything, and some men in the community said I was bewitched by my wife. Others were skeptical because these changes go against cultural norms, where women are not expected to own livestock or even know what their husbands are selling.
Now, my wife is actively involved in important decisions, including selling livestock and borrowing from the VSLA. Our relationship is much stronger. Our children are in school, eating well, and growing up in a peaceful and respectful home. They are learning that families work best when everyone is valued. Other families can also learn that traditions can change for the better, and that sharing power leads to stronger households and healthier communities.
Gender Equitable Nutrition in Tanzania and Uganda (GENTU)
The GENTU Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and led by Action Against Hunger, is a five-year initiative (2023–2028) that takes a gender-transformative approach to improve nutrition for women, adolescent girls, and children. By addressing harmful social norms, empowering women and girls, and engaging men and community leaders, GENTU is helping families break the cycle of hunger for good. Learn more.
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Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 56 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
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