ABSTRACT
The Stepping Stones training programme on gender, HIV, communication and relationship skills, developed in Uganda 20 years ago, has since spread globally. It is recognised to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) and transform gender norms. Recent psycho-social research demonstrates the power of vision-focused approaches to change which may also foster faster change in attitudes as well as behaviour. This article describes adaptation of the Stepping Stones programme to promote peace and prosperity in Karamoja, Uganda, a community beset by smallarms proliferation, cattle raiding and related sexual violence. The article discusses the process of adapting the original programme, drawing on the new psycho-social research, and uses two exercises to illustrate this forward-thinking approach. The article also describes how change is complex, time-consuming and needs long-term support. It discusses the inconsistencies in very positive qualitative and more equivocal quantitative results data, and calls for further research into effective methodologies for evaluating such programmes. It concludes with several key recommendations, including further research into interpersonal neurobiology and related approaches, to further advance community-wide behaviour change.
