Maternal and Child Support Project
The MCSP (Maternal and Child Support Project) engaged men in promoting maternal health, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and GBV prevention across six districts in Rwanda. The project trained young people and adults in gender, positive masculinity, SRHR, and GBV prevention, who then empowered their peers and local couples to adopt healthier, safer practices.
The MCSP (Maternal and Child Support Project) was implemented between July 2016 and June 2017, with technical support from JHIEPIGO. Its primary objective was to promote sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and prevent gender-based violence (GBV) by actively engaging men and young people as agents of change in their communities.
The project operated across six districts over two years: in 2016 — Nyaruguru, Musanze, and Rwamagana; in 2017 — Gatsibo, Nyagatare, and Nyamagabe. The programme trained 64 young people and 64 adults in each district on gender, positive masculinity, SRHR, and GBV prevention. Each trainee pair was then organized into teams of two to mentor and train 20 couples in their immediate communities, effectively multiplying the impact of the training.
By combining capacity building, peer mentoring, and community outreach, MCSP empowered men, young people, and couples to champion healthy, respectful relationships, improve maternal health outcomes, and challenge norms that perpetuate GBV. The project strengthened community knowledge and engagement around SRHR and gender equality, promoting long-term, sustainable change.
Power in Numbers
6
Districts (Musanze, Burera and Gakenke).
8064
Couples aged 21-35 and children under 5 reached.
weekly sessions of the BANDEBEREHO module