Intimate Partner Relationships and Gender Norms in Mali: The Scope of Cash Transfers Targeted to Men to Reduce Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Mali has implemented the Filets Sociaux (Jigisémèjiri) program that aims to reduce poverty through cash transfers (CTs) to predominantly male heads of household with accompanying measures. This paper reports on a qualitative study of the effects of the program on intimate partner relationships. In-depth interviews were conducted with men and women in monogamous and polygamous households. Findings revealed that the positive aspects of intimate partner relationships were communication and shared values. However, discussions around decision-making revealed male authority with limited influence by women. Physical violence was reported to be caused by tensions and disputes. Whereas sexual violence was contested, some women described sexual force as violence but men and women asserted that compliance in sexual matters by women was expected. Men also asserted control through preventing women from working outside the home. The CTs were managed by the husband, with some involvement of wives in decision-making about the use of CTs. CTs were reported to reduce household poverty and improve wellbeing, especially for men. There were reports of the effects of the program on IPV, especially in the reduction of physical violence, its effects on sexual violence and controlling behaviour were reported to be limited. Since women are not the primary recipients of the CT, there is limited effect on women’s agency to challenge male authority and control around sexual and financial matters. CTs may be more effective if targeted to women, alongside skill and knowledge strengthening to utilize cash transfers to assert their rights to equality and prevent violence

Intimate Partner Violence against Women Living in Inadequate Conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Meta-Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey Data

“…However, contrary to our hypothesis, we found two countries, namely Mali and Nigeria, where inadequate living conditions were protective for at least one form of IPV. One potential explanation is that, in these two countries, partners’ attitudes toward IPV are an important factor for the occurrence of IPV [ 30 , 31 ], which could reverse or mute the relation between inadequate living conditions and IPV [ 32 ]. In Nigeria, the protective effect of women’s education levels could be reversed if the community’s social norms justify IPV [ 31 ].…”

“…In Nigeria, the protective effect of women’s education levels could be reversed if the community’s social norms justify IPV [ 31 ]. In Mali, the cash transfer program has been reported to reduce household poverty, but offer limited effects on reducing IPV, as cash might allow men to enact authority [ 30 ]. Further research is needed to elucidate the heterogeneity in these findings.…”

Intimate Partner Violence and Age at Marriage in Mali: The Moderating Influence of Polygynous Unions

“…Similarly, in both types of marriages, Malian men and women place emphasis on being financially stable (which is often seen as the sole responsibility of men), communication, and shared values (Lees et al, 2021). Yet, polygynous marriages have been reported to involve higher rates of disputes and tensions (Lees et al, 2021). A potential explanation for the increased risk of IPV for women in polygynous marriages is that these unions often experience unequal love, jealousy, and neglect due to the husband's remarriage(s) (Karamagi et al, 2006;Lawoko et al, 2007).…”

Cash transfers and intimate partner violence (IPV) in low- and middle-income settings: A joint research agenda to inform policy and practice

“…Haushofer et al 2019), examine post-intervention impacts (e.g. Roy et al 2020) and expand the geographic scope of previous evidence (e.g. Briaux et al 2020 in Togo; Peterman et al 2021 in Ghana; Iqbal et al 2020 in Pakistan).…”

“…This second generation of studies involves increasingly complex designs that are able to unpack mechanisms (e.g. Lees et al 2020 in Mali), examine the role of possible design features (e.g. WFP 2019 cross-country), disentangle effects of complementary programming (e.g.…”