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Male Champions Transforms Social Norms in Iringa

John Msigwa, with his wife watering their garden. Photo: Likati Thomas | GGLIST Consultants

John Msigwa, with his wife watering their garden. Photo: Likati Thomas | GGLIST Consultants

In Iringa District, rigid traditions once shaped family life. Women carried the full weight of household chores, men focused on farming, and conflicts were common. Children often lacked proper care, and inequality strained homes.

Mr. John Msigwa, a Male Champion under the Scale Up Farmers Field and Business School (SUFFBS) project, decided to change that. Trained through the Male Champion model with CARE Tanzania, the Police Gender Desk, and Community Welfare Officers, John guides men to challenge harmful social norms, promote equality, and foster cooperative households.

“The training opened my eyes,” John says. “Leadership isn’t just about farming or being the head of the household. It’s about walking with your community and showing men that helping at home is as important as working in the fields.”

One of his remarkable successes is the family of Mr. and Mrs. Daudi Ngwale. Once divided, the couple now shares household responsibilities and communicates effectively. Their children thrive in a home full of peace and collaboration. Mrs. Ngwale says, “Before John’s guidance, our home was full of conflict. Now we share work and live in peace.”

 

Men now help at home, respect their wives, and reduce household conflicts

Leah Mungwila

Community Development Officer

Mr. Daudi Ngwale fetching water for his household. Photo: Likati Thomas | GGLIST Consultants

Male Champions are reshaping communities.

Dorah Katto

Women and Girls Coordinator at CARE Tanzania

Stakeholders praise the initiative. Loveness Mahingu, Head of the Police Gender and Children’s Desk, notes, “Male Champions like John are transforming mindsets. Men now help at home, respect their wives, and reduce household conflicts.” Leah Mungwila, Community Development Officer, adds, “Reports of violence against women and girls have dropped significantly across the 62 villages where the project operates. Open dialogues and training sessions are helping communities embrace equality.”

John’s approach blends personal example, mentorship, and dialogue. Men now fetch water, carry firewood, cook, and care for children. Families once divided now work as teams, children receive proper care, and equality is emerging as a shared community value.

Dora Kato, Women and Girls Coordinator at CARE Tanzania, emphasizes the impact: “Male Champions are reshaping communities. By empowering men to challenge negative norms and promoting collaboration, we are seeing sustainable change that benefits everyone.”

Running from January 2023 to December 2025, the SUFFBs project supported farmers with knowledge in good agricultural practices, business knowledge, and awareness on empowering women and girls. Models like the Male Champion program show that the project goes beyond crops it transforms mindsets, strengthens families, and fosters lasting social change.

“Every family I visit, every man I mentor, and every dialogue we hold is a step toward a future where women, men, and children live with respect, shared responsibility, and hope,” John concludes