Scaling Parenting Programs to End Violence: Key Insights on Parenting Programs to Reduce VAC and VAW from the Saving Brains Webinar
On the 19th of February 2025, the Saving Brains Webinar brought together leading experts to discuss how parenting programs can effectively reduce violence against children and violence against women. The event featured Emmanuel Karamage, BandeBereho Project Coordinator at RWAMREC, alongside Kate Doyle from the Prevention Collaborative and Beatrice Ogutu from Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS-SP). This engaging discussion emphasized how scaling up evidence-based programs like Bandebereho, through the Rwanda Health System, can create safer, more nurturing family environments—ultimately leading to a brighter, more secure future for children and communities.
Evidence from the Bandebereho RCT, following a six-year follow-up, highlighted positive outcomes in reducing intimate partner violence and violence against children. The program not only decreased violence but also increased men's involvement in caregiving and improved couples' relationships.
If you missed it, you can watch the full webinar recording here: Saving Brains Webinar.
Why Parenting Programs Matter in Violence Prevention
Research consistently shows that violence against children and women is deeply interconnected. Parenting programs offer a proven solution by addressing harmful gender norms, improving family relationships, and promoting positive discipline strategies.
Key takeaways from the webinar emphasized:
✔ Parenting interventions can reduce both intimate partner violence (IPV) and violent discipline of children.
✔ A gender-transformative approach is crucial—engaging both fathers and mothers in caregiving responsibilities fosters healthier family dynamics.
✔ The importance of scale-up strategies, as seen in Rwanda, where the BandeBereho program is now integrated into the national health system.
For more insights, UNICEF Innocenti provides valuable publications on ending violence against children and women:🔗 UNICEF Innocenti Violence Prevention Publications
Check out their new infographic on the links between violence against children and women:📌 UNICEF Infographic on Violence
The BandeBereho Scale-Up Through the Rwanda Health System
Emmanuel Karamage shared how BandeBereho, a parenting program designed to promote gender equality and violence prevention, is expanding through Rwanda’s health sector. The program’s integration into maternal and child health services ensures that thousands of families benefit from training in positive parenting, gender-equitable caregiving, and nonviolent conflict resolution.
According to the Parenting Briefs by UNICEF Innocenti, programs that work at the intersection of violence prevention and gender equality lead to long-term improvements in child and maternal well-being.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Parenting Programs for Greater Impact
The discussion highlighted the need for continued investment in evidence-based parenting interventions that address both violence against children (VAC) and violence against women (VAW). Key recommendations included:
✅ Strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration between governments, NGOs, and health providers.
✅ Adapting programs to diverse cultural and social contexts for better effectiveness.
✅ Ensuring sustainability through policy integration, as demonstrated by the BandeBereho scale-up.
RWAMREC remains committed to working with partners to expand parenting interventions that foster gender equality and family well-being.
Watch the Full Webinar & Stay Engaged
📺 Watch the full Saving Brains webinar here: Saving Brains Webinar💬 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media using #ParentingPrograms #ViolencePrevention #BandeBereho #SavingBrains #Rwanda #GenderEquality
By investing in parenting programs, we can break cycles of violence, strengthen families, and create a safer future for children and women.
🔗 Visit RWAMREC's Website to learn more about our work.
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