In rural Ugandan communities, many couples made financial decisions alone, usually the husband. That often leads to tension, mistrust, and poor budgeting. But with targeted financial literacy and gender-sensitivity training, using the Gender Household Approach, couples are now learning how to budget together, track expenses, and plan for the future side by side.
“Before, my husband made all the decisions, how we spend, what we eat, even when we go to the clinic. I was just expected to follow. But now, we sit and plan together. We talk about money, we agree, we save,” says Annet Nabakiibi, a resident of Kamuli in Kassanda District.
Among married youth in the TeamUp program, 78% now implement joint household budgets, a significant shift from before. These couples describe better communication, fewer conflicts, and stronger trust in one another.
Young women share that men are now more open to conversations about family planning, something that was rarely discussed before. With tools to foster dialogue and mutual respect, households are reporting a decline in conflict and a rise in shared decision-making, both critical steps in preventing gender-based violence.
“My husband used to drink a lot and shout at me when I talked about money. But after the training, he changed. He stopped drinking so much, started helping with the children, and now we plan things together. I feel respected for the first time in years,” Says Grace Nakiyingi, a resident of Mugulu, Mityana district.
This kind of transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Team uses the Gender Household Approach and trains community volunteers named Change Agents to create safe spaces for couples to reflect, grow, and adopt more equitable roles, something that’s especially important for young couples still forming their financial and relational habits.
Still, challenges remain. In some areas, traditional gender norms continue to discourage women from speaking up, particularly in financial matters. Limited income, lack of access to financial services, and societal expectations sometime slow progress.
To build on these successes, TeamUp is continuing to: