DR Congo: World Vision's Men Care Approach Is Transforming Male Roles For the Benefit of Families

Nyangezi and Nyantende, South Kivu – In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, family roles have long followed a rigid pattern: men were responsible for financial provision while women managed the home and children. Today, this dynamic is gradually changing in parts of South Kivu through the Men Care approach implemented by World Vision with financial support from Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH).

The first phase of the initiative has recently concluded, and early results are already visible. World Vision adopted a cascade training strategy, equipping 60 community facilitators who then led 30 focus groups over three months. Each group included about 20 fathers, allowing the programme to reach 660 men across the Nyantende and Nyangezi communities.

Men Care goes beyond awareness raising. The programme encourages men to question entrenched stereotypes, adopt non-violent attitudes, and share responsibilities within the household. Topics discussed during the sessions include shared domestic work, girls’ education, fatherhood responsibilities, and family planning.

Facilitator Ephrem Borauzima says the goal is to address change from within communities themselves. “It all starts at the grassroots level, because we seek balance within families and society. Among the topics we address is the sharing of unpaid domestic tasks between fathers, mothers and children. We also discuss girls’ education and the role fathers should play alongside mothers. Family planning is another topic we cover. There are many issues, all of which affect families’ daily lives.”

These conversations have already led to noticeable changes in several households. Eleuthère Nkuka, a journalist who participated in the programme in Nyangezi, says the training forced him to reconsider what truly matters in life. “I used to think that my job as a journalist was the most important thing in my life. I was chasing stories and professional recognition. But today I realise that training in personal transformation is much more essential. It has opened my eyes to what really matters.”

His wife, Françoise Rugina, says the changes at home have been remarkable: 

“Before, he would often come home drunk and cause trouble at home. It had become unbearable for me and ldren and me. But now he comes home at reasonable hours and always keeps me informed of his whereabouts. He has started cooking good meals, something he never did before. He helps me with the laundry and takes care of the animals.” 

She also notes that he now spends more time talking with their children and listening to them.

For World Vision, this transformation in male behaviour ultimately aims to improve children’s wellbeing. When fathers are more present and engaged, children grow up in safer and more supportive environments.

David Munkley, East Zone Director for World Vision in the DRC, says involving men is essential for lasting change:

 “I got involved in humanitarian work because I wanted to see children laugh, play, grow, and thrive. But we do not involve men enough in the discussion. We forget about fathers, uncles, and grandfathers, and how we can support them in their educational role.”

He believes that helping men recognise their role within the family strengthens entire communities and contributes to a better future for children.

The experience of Eleuthère and Françoise reflects this broader transformation. Their relationship, once strained by absence and conflict, has evolved into one marked by partnership and mutual support. Françoise sums up their journey simply: “When two people live in harmony, they can overcome all of life’s trials.”

Although 660 fathers have already participated in the first phase, thousands more families across South Kivu still live within rigid social norms that can fuel inequality and violence. Each trained father, however, becomes an example within the community.

World Vision is therefore calling on technical and financial partners to expand the programme. Investing in positive fatherhood, the organisation says, is an investment in children’s protection, stronger families, and more equitable communities.