At 40 year, Mr Charles Onen could never have imagined that a simple conversation with his wife and children would transform the way his family lived, worked and planned for the future. Today, the father of six from Padolo Village, Labigiryang Parish in Palabek Kal Sub-county is known in his community as a role model man, someone who believes that a stronger family is built through shared decisions, shared responsibilities and a shared vision.
Before this transformation, Charles and his family struggled to plan and manage their limited resources. Although he worked hard to provide for his household, income was often spent as soon as it came in without discussing priorities or making joint decisions with his family. At home, domestic responsibilities were largely left to the wife and children while men had limited involvement in household chores and family care.
Charles had also never considered the importance of developing a long term vision with his family. The idea of sitting together to discuss their dreams, set goals and plan how to achieve them was unfamiliar.
“We were living together as a family but we had never sat down to discuss about the vision of our family and what we would love to achieve in the coming years,” said Onen.
The Transformation
Onen’s mindset began to change after attending a training on Gender Action Learning System (GALS) under the Empowering Smallholder Farmers for Inclusive and Resilient Seed Systems in Palabek Settlement project. Through practical tools such as the Gender Balance Tree, Labour Distribution Analysis and the Vision Road Journey, Onen learned how families can work together to identify challenges, manage resources and create a shared pathway for the future.
“This training changed me and I learned better how to manage my household. I had never really thought I could sit down with my wife and children and plan for the family,” said Mr Onen adding that soon after the training he started helping his wife at home by fetching water and is also not shy to prepare a meal if the wife is unwell.
Together, Charles and his family developed a three-year vision plan, identifying goals they wanted to achieve and the steps required to reach them. The family now plans together, manages resources more carefully and ensures that every member has a role to play.
He says thes changes have brought greater harmony and unity in his household.
“I am happy to see that love in my family has grown. Everyone is happy, involved and planning together. In the village, they call me a role model man because people see the changes in my family,” added Mr Onen.
Through the GALS approach, it is evident that attitudes and behaviours within families can be changed and create lasting impact.
