The drums begin to beat. A crowd gathers as young people take to the stage. Laughter erupts when a husband refuses to help with household chores, only to be won over by his wife in a lively skit. Moments later, the audience joins in conversations about planning together, saving together and building a better future as a family.
Turning Performances into Conversations
Across Mityana and Kassanda district, music, dance and drama are helping TeamUp Uganda spark conversations that many families rarely have openly. Through relatable stories, songs and humour, young performers encourage communities to rethink gender roles, promote shared household responsibilities and inspire both young women and men to participate fully in agriculture, water and health activities.
Stage performance
From the beginning of the program, TeamUp deliberately enrols both male and female youth into the program. However, many young women juggle household chores and other domestic responsibilities that limit their participation, while many traditional gender norms often discourage equal involvement in decision-making and leadership.
To address these barriers, the program implements the Gender Household Approach (GHA), equipping youth and their families with practical skills in joint planning, budgeting, shared responsibilities and equitable control over household resources. Yet, beyond the training sessions, it is the music, dance and drama groups that bring these lessons to life.
Bringing Gender Equality to Life
Using songs, plays and traditional dances, the youth demonstrate how families can plan their finances together, make joint decisions and support one another in building resilient livelihoods. Their performances also challenge cultural norms that limit women’s participation while encouraging men to become active partners at home and in community development.
Because the messages are delivered through humour, storytelling and familiar cultural expressions, they resonate with audiences of all ages. Difficult conversations become easier, and new ideas feel practical rather than confrontational.
The Impact
Currently, more than three-quarters (76.3%) of couples participating in the program report joint household decision-making. These findings suggest that TeamUp interventions are strengthening dialogue, collaboration and more equitable household governance.
The change is also visible in leadership. Over the past four years, women’s participation in leadership roles in youth structures has increased from 19.7% to 35.4%. More women now serve as treasurers, secretaries and vice chairpersons, reflecting growing confidence and recognition within their communities.
Attitudes towards gender equality are also becoming more positive. Every song, every dance and every play creates an opportunity for families to laugh, reflect and see that when women and men work together, everyone benefits.
Watch a dance by Myanzi Youth Group Here:
