Trailblazing Pendson Redefines Gender Roles; Promotes Equal Household Duties

BY: HOPE LEONTINA. 

‘As i listened to personal stories shared by women and men at the workshop, i began to see my own behavior through a new lens. I recalled the many times I have left my wife Annet  to do everything at home while i focused solely on what i wanted like  associating with my friends in the trading center . I felt so touched and guilty’’ said Pendson.

In Nyarukamba B village, Karangura Subcounty, Kabarole district ,29 year old Pendson Maathe was known for many things.  He was initially labeled as a failure by both his community and friends, and faced the harsh realities of domestic violence, struggling daily to secure food for his family.

Turning point.

It all began with a chance encounter. An invitation by a friend to attend a training workshop on reproductive health rights and gender equality. Intrigued, he decided to join, hoping to gain insights that could help him lead his family more effectively.

The workshop was an eye-opener for Pendson. Facilitators discussed the importance of shared responsibilities within households, challenging traditional beliefs that confined women to domestic chores while men pursued external careers. Pendson learned about the disproportionate burden women often bear in managing both household duties and childcare, which can hinder their personal development and well-being.

‘‘As i listened to personal stories shared by women and men at the workshop, i began to see my own behavior through a new lens. I recalled the many times I have left my wife Annet  to do everything at home while i focused solely on what i wanted like  associating with my friends in the trading center . I felt so touched and guilty’’ said Pendson

Determined to make a change, Pendson returned home with renewed vigor. He approached Annet  with newfound humility and honesty, sharing his reflections from the workshop. To his surprise and relief, Annet welcomed his openness and expressed her own struggles with his behavior of leaving her to do every work at home and  the physical violence she has suffered.

Empowered Household

Together, we actively  share household responsibilities.  Pendson took on tasks traditionally considered “women’s work,” such as cooking , washing clothes, fetching water, and helping with taking care of our children.

‘‘At home, we now understand the importance of family planning to ensure we can provide for our children. In addition to family planning, we have gained knowledge about various sexual reproductive issues, and this has made my wife happy, knowing that she no longer has to carry the burden alone.’’ he said.

Diversifying Skills

Their household transformed. As Pendson became more involved in community training opportunities, in 2019 he  under took a six months training in agri-business which  added other  skills  . This additional expertise has expanded his capabilities and diversified his contributions to both his household and the community.

“We were presented with various enterprises, including beekeeping, tourism, solar installation, and phone repair. Given my passion for environmental issues, I opted for beekeeping. This training has proven to be a lucrative venture, and the money generated remains untouched,” Pendson said.

“After the training, I started with five bee hives, distributing honey for free after harvest. Thanks to the acquired knowledge, I now manage a total of 34 bee hives,” Pendson explained.

Financial Independence and Inclusive Decision-Making

In 2021, his first honey harvest yielded Shs 320,000. He invested this income in purchasing a goat that eventually gave birth to two offspring. After selling them for Shs 500,000 and adding Shs 200,000 from cowpeas sales, Pendson accumulated a capital of Shs 700,000.

“With this capital, we ventured into buying and selling coffee. We have already recovered the initial investment, and we anticipate earning about Shs 2 million by the end of the season,” he said.

Pendson also mentioned a honey harvest this year that brought in Shs 1.34 million, with an outstanding payment of Shs 1 million from BCC.

Looking ahead, they expressed plans to diversify into Irish potato cultivation together with his wife, having already acquired seedlings.

The newfound financial stability has allowed them to save, bringing happiness to their  family. Furthermore, his approach to financial decisions has been shaped by the gender awareness instilled during the RHU training.

Pendson now actively involves his wife in planning and decision-making, illustrating the holistic impact of the two training programs on his life and family.

“Thanks to the empowerment I received in training, the entire sub-county now places their trust in me. It’s remarkable to think that the person who was relatively unknown before the training is now serving as the secretary of Nyakitokoli parish on the PDM,” Pendson said.

Ms Annet Pendson Said  they now  plan together and have a development plan which they are currently going by and through their joint efforts, they have achieved many things.

” I am the happy woman, my husband makes me  feel special. I was about to separate with  him, but now we are together. I have formally introduced him to my family, and we are only waiting for the wedding. We run a business together; during the coffee season, we buy coffee together, and we plan how to use the money together. We share all domestic responsibilities, and as a woman, I support him wholeheartedly,” said Annet.

Pendson and his wife’s story is a testament to the power of education and personal growth. His willingness to challenge entrenched gender norms not only transformed his own life and family but also sparked a wave effect of positive change within his community. As he looked back on his journey, Pendson is sure  that he has found his purpose to advocate for a future where every family embraces equality, respect, and shared responsibility, ensuring that every member can thrive and fulfill their potential.