Community-based Intervention to Strengthen Family and Community Relationships in Post-conflict Nwoya and Gulu Districts in Northern Uganda

Abstract

Armed conflict and displacement disrupt the social, economic, and cultural networks necessary for individuals’ and families’ well-being. Interventions are necessary to repair this damage, as there are an estimated 40 million people displaced worldwide due to conflict and violence. This article describes the Dialogue Groups, a community-based intervention in post-conflict northern Uganda, focusing on social disruptions such as men’s decreased involvement in the family, women’s increased responsibilities at home and in the family, and increased violent behavior in homes. Reported outcomes include increased connection among community members and within homes, decreased gender-based violence, and increased livelihood opportunities. The intervention utilized an empowerment approach and demonstrated that community-driven and community-led interventions addressing social disruptions of conflict and displacement are viable and can meet the goals of a social development agenda.