Niyonsenga Eric, who lives in the Munyiginya sector, Bwana Cell, in Rwagahigi village, says that he has been misunderstanding with his wife for 5 years, where even their children could not approach him because he used to argue with his wife or hit her in their faces. 

“With my family, I was an Impossible Person! I was the man who felt that no one should contradict the law I set. I felt that if I make a decision no one will contradict it, whether it’s good or bad because I felt that nothing bad is coming from into me," Niyonsenga said.

But after realizing that his family is going to fall apart, he and his wife, Mrs. Isimbi Liziki, were trained by the Rwanda Women's Network on the principle of equality and harmony. After changing their behavior and becoming friends with their two daughters, so that they started having conversations to help them to plan their future.

Niyonsenga testifies that she teaches their children about reproductive health, saying that what helps him is, “I told them to consider me as their friends... do not be afraid of anything. On the contrary, you see that they are more sociable with me than their mother. And before, she was their mother, they could not reach me. I came from there and they would be in the salon and then they entered into the room. Nothing good was waited from me.” 

Isimbi Liziki testifies that her husband has changed, insisting that the children are left sociable to their father. 

"Like our 8-year-old daughter, when she sees him she immediately runs and then takes the phone, and they now become more sociable," she said.

Teaching children about reproductive health, Niyonsenga believes will benefit them in their studies and their future’s lives. He emphasizes that they won't be ashamed of the conflict they lived in, as long as the family is now safe and only needs to be developed. 

Teaches through pictures

Niyonsenga says that he uses examples of photos and videos to encourage them to the discussion.

He said: “I turn on the radio or show them a picture on the phone and they either appreciate it or hate it. And then I asked them why (...) and I took that opportunity to start the conversation. I tell them to do the things their hearts prefer but to be careful here and there. Stay safe, be on your way, and fight for this... You find they understand it even if they are still young, and I'm proud of them. ”

"You see nowadays… when they converse, our daughters understand that there is something they can take care of, and then they cannot walk in this modern world. Although they walk in this world, they know how to keep their culture and think about how it will benefit them, “Mrs. Isimbi added.

Not teaching children SRHR is a great loss

Niyonsenga believes that the unwillingness of men to teach their children is a significant loss.

"There is a big loss because the next day you see your child has an unplanned pregnancy or these diseases... then it is more difficult than if you take your time and converse with the children," He said.

"So what I would say to men who still have this mindset is that a girl child needs a father and a mother. And every parent has a crucial role in talking to the child about reproductive health, especially when she is 12 years old, she needs more discussion," Niyonsenga added.

Family conflicts may lead to men not fulfilling their responsibilities, especially in communicating with children, as Niyonsenga highlighted.

"Sometimes, you may not get along well with a woman, but you have a heart full of love for children. Due to the lack of harmony at home, you may not have the time to meet and talk with the children. But when they are not afraid of you, you can converse with them," Niyonsenga mentioned.