Abstract:
This study addresses the effect of gender equity on sustainable family in Moshi
Municipality, Kilimanjaro Region. Emphasis is on the prevailing societal norms
and expectations regarding gender roles in marriages and the relationship between
equitable participation in family decision-making and family sustainability. The
study also explored the link between equitable sharing of responsibilities and level
of marital satisfaction. The study was guided by an interpretivism philosophy
which emphasised understanding the meanings and conflicts present in social
phenomena. This approach enabled the researchers to understand the lived
experiences of respondents. Specifically, it enabled the researchers to appreciate
the influence of gender equity on sustainable family practices within the context of
Moshi Municipality (Kaushik, 2019; Biesta, 2010). A qualitative research
approach was adopted employing a case study design which involved semi
structured interviews and participant observations with 40 respondents - family
couples and social welfare officers from Majengo and Njoro wards in Moshi
Municipality. The use of this methodology was informed by the desire to richly
understand the gender equity and family sustainability dynamics. The findings
revealed a shift in the marriage practices with traditional gender roles still
affecting decision-making and sharing of responsibilities. Nevertheless, a shift was
evident, especially among the younger and educated couples. Findings indicated
that equitable participation in family decision-making contributes to family
sustainability by fostering respect in the family, better conflict resolution and
strengthening partnership. In addition, a fair sharing of responsibilities is
positively associated with the level of marital satisfaction as it promotes the
closeness between the couple, reduces stress and develops the emotional bonds
between the spouses. The study recommends several actions including community
awareness programs to change the traditional gender roles expectations,
workshops to promote joint decision-making and equitable sharing of
responsibilities and media campaigns to shift to more balanced family practices.
