Plan International partnered with Georgetown University and JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. to implement the REAL Fathers Initiative (Responsible, Engaged, and Loving Fathers) in Rwanda under USAID’s Gender-Transformative Programming for Advancing Care for Children in Adversity project. The program engages young fathers as positive role models to reduce intimate partner violence and violent discipline against children — helping men build safer, more nurturing families. Through community mentorship and peer learning, REAL Fathers encourages fathers to redefine masculinity, share decision-making, and model empathy and respect at home.
This newly published baseline study, featured in Children and Youth Services Review, presents data collected before program implementation. Conducted by Plan International and its research partners, the study found that 56% of fathers reported using violent discipline with children and 39% of mothers experienced intimate partner violence, underscoring the urgent need for interventions that address harmful gender and parenting norms. The findings highlight Plan’s leadership in advancing gender-transformative, evidence-based approaches to parenting and violence prevention.
Read the full study here: Intimate partner violence and parent’s use of violent discipline against young children in Rwanda: A baseline study of the REAL fathers Initiative
