Unveiling the effects of social norms on early childhood development in Rwanda: A case of Bugesera District.

Abstract

In many cultures, early childhood development (ECD) has been viewed as the responsibility of women, as they are believed to be more and better suited for the roles involved. Although Rwanda has the privilege of having political will and an enabling environment, the legal, policy and institutional frameworks to respond to issues of social norms, particularly with regard to early childhood development, social norms and gender barriers remain obstacles to the full realization of the holistic developmental situation during childhood. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore how social norms affect ECD and the well-being of families in Bugesera District. Three specific objectives which guided the researcher in collecting data were: to examine the extent to which current laws, policies, and programs on ECD address social norms in Rwanda; to identify existing social norms related to ECD and ways through which families have embraced, practiced the ECD pillars and to establish challenges faced by families as they practice ECD positive social norms. The study used descriptive research design with a case study approach on the target population which comprised of 47 participants who were selected using the process of quota and purposive sampling. A discussion guide was used as an instrument to guide focus group discussions. On the other hand, key informants’ interviews were guided by an interview guide. The information collected was coded according to different themes and analyzed using narrative analyses. The findings showed a magnitude of various cultural, social and gender norms that exist in the Rwandan society. The study also revealed various challenges to ECD implementation including the fact that these programs implementation is still quite new, and their importance has not yet been understood by people. The researcher recommended that the government revise the methods used to mobilize and sensitize people on the new ECD, laws, policy, and program. Bugesera district leadership should create more opportunities through which families can be educated on the ECD law, policies, and program to better the role of both parents in the implementation of these policies.