Key Social Norms Take-aways The Change Starts at Home program shows that gender-transformative interventions can effectively disrupt harmful social norms that underpin intimate partner violence in patriarchal settings. Key shifts were observed in men’s attitudes and behaviors regarding alcohol use, household responsibilities, spousal communication, and sexual consent. The program’s success stemmed from creating safe, gender-segregated spaces for critical reflection and parallel engagement of spouses. Sustained behavioral change was facilitated by relatable media, such as radio dramas, and by couples practicing new norms together, demonstrating how challenging traditional gender roles within intimate relationships can lead to reduced violence and improved marital dynamics.
Objectives This study aimed to explore how participation in a multicomponent violence prevention strategy influenced individual and relational behaviors among married couples in rural Nepal, and whether these changes were sustained over time. It specifically investigated transformations in gender dynamics, communication, conflict resolution, and experiences of intimate partner violence.
Methods The study employed qualitative in-depth interviews with 17 married couples, conducted at midline (five months) and end line (nine months) of the intervention. A case-based analysis and thematic summaries were used to assess patterns of change at the individual and relationship levels. Thematic coding examined couple concordance and gendered differences in reporting, focusing on self-reported behavior and perception of change.
Intervention Details The Change Starts at Home intervention combined a 39-week radio drama with listening and discussion groups, couples’ sessions, and community engagement activities. Participants discussed topics such as gender norms, communication, conflict resolution, consent, and alcohol use. In the final months, participants led public events including street dramas and radio listening sessions to promote wider community awareness and engagement.
Results Participants reported significant positive changes across a range of behaviors. Husbands reduced alcohol use and time spent away from home, while both spouses reported improved communication, shared decision-making, and more equitable division of household labor. Several couples described reduced or eliminated physical and sexual violence, greater awareness of consent, and decreased emotional abuse. These shifts were often directly attributed to program participation and sustained through shared reflection on radio content and group discussions.
Conclusions The intervention led to meaningful and sustained changes in gender roles and relationship dynamics that influence risk of intimate partner violence. Findings support the value of engaging couples in gender-transformative programs that encourage critical reflection and practical application of equitable behaviors within the home.