Exploring Intergenerational Dialogues as a Strategy to Reduce Rejection of Young Single Mothers in Rwanda: A...

Teenage pregnancy is a major global public health concern, with an estimated 21 million adolescent girls giving birth each year globally. Despite the growing implementation of dialogue-based interventions, limited evidence exists regarding how participants perceive their effectiveness within family and community systems in Rwanda. This study explored participants' perceptions of the effectiveness of the Ingo z'amahoro intergenerational dialogue programme in resolving intergenerational conflicts, responding to GBV, and improving family and community support for young single mothers.

An exploratory qualitative study using purposive sampling and reflexive thematic analysis was conducted across four sectors in Musanze and Gasabo Districts, Rwanda. Thirty-two participants were recruited: 12 young single mothers (aged 15-24 years), 12 parents or guardians, and 8 key informants (community facilitators, local leaders, and programme representatives). Eligible participants had engaged with the programme for at least two years. Data were collected through 24 in-depth interviews and 8 key informant interviews, conducted between May and June 2024. Trustworthiness was enhanced through member checking, reflexive journaling, peer debriefing, and audit trails. The study was conducted in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Three themes emerged: (1) perceived personal, familial, and community benefits of intergenerational dialogues, including family reconciliation, enhanced GBV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) awareness, improved community attitudes, and increased self-confidence; (2) socioeconomic and structural barriers to effective participation, including poverty, absent male stakeholders, and persistent social stigma; and (3) strategies for sustaining impact through service integration and economic empowerment.

Intergenerational dialogues hold meaningful potential for family reconciliation and GBV awareness among young single mothers in Rwanda. However, dialogue alone is insufficient without addressing broader structural inequalities, underscoring the need for integrated psychosocial, economic, and male-engagement interventions.