GEM+ Effects in the Chania community: Fascinating stories of two young families.

Jeremiah and Awelanah embrace warmth and comfort.

For eight years of marriage, Jeremiah had never bathed his children or helped with household chores. In the Chania community, like many others, tradition dictated that men shouldn't be involved in nurturing or housework. These rigid norms left his wife, Awelanah Alira, handling everything alone, while Jeremiah remained distant from the daily needs of his family. He didn’t realize it, but this gap was affecting their bond.

The turning point came when Jeremiah joined the GEM+ program. Through the workshops and discussions, he began to see things differently. "I realized some traditions don’t make sense," Jeremiah admitted. He learnt that true strength and leadership in a family didn’t come from following old rules but from building connection, care, and support. Little by little, he started to help with the children, bathing them for the first time and even washing clothes. "I learned how to use my influence for the good of my family," he explained.

The change in their home was almost immediate. Awelanah was stunned by her husband’s transformation. "Last month, I started noticing he’s bathing the kids and even washing clothes!" she shared, still amazed. For years, she had carried the weight of the household on her own, and now, Jeremiah was stepping in where she needed him most.

Despite some men in the community teasing Jeremiah and calling him "unmanly" for taking on these roles, he wasn’t deterred. He found a new sense of purpose in supporting his family. And any doubts he had were erased by Awelanah’s gratitude. "It has reduced my workload tremendously, and we communicate so much better now," she said with a smile. Their relationship grew stronger, filled with more love and mutual respect.

Jeremiah was determined to continue these changes. "I will absolutely keep this up because it’s making our relationship stronger," he affirmed. Awelanah’s eyes shone with hope as she added, "If he keeps this up, our future will be filled with joy."

From one small change in Jeremiah’s heart, a powerful shift began in their family. The GEM+ program had planted the seeds of equality and respect, allowing love and shared responsibility to flourish in their home. And as their bond deepened, so too did the promise of a happier, more connected future.

The end of a toxic marriage life: the story of Robert and Anuyire.

Robert and Anuyire’s home used to be a place filled with anger and fear, but now, it’s a peaceful and loving space. Their journey wasn’t easy, though it started with a lot of pain.

For a long time, life in their small home in Chania was full of conflict. Robert, struggling with alcohol and toxic ideas about what it meant to be a man, often lashed out at Anuyire. He was abusive, both physically and emotionally, and their three young children were caught in the middle, too scared to understand what was happening.

It felt like things would never change.

But then, Robert found himself in the GEM+ program. That’s when everything started to shift. One day, in a session, he learned something that opened his eyes: “Respect, not control, is the key to a healthy relationship.” It was a simple message, but it made Robert think about his actions in a way he hadn’t before. He realized that real strength didn’t come from hurting others, but from caring for them.

Slowly, things began to improve. Robert started drinking less, and instead of using his hands to hurt, he began using them to help. He did things he had never done before, like helping with household chores. The biggest surprise came one evening when Anuyire came home to find Robert in the kitchen, cooking dinner for the family. It was a small gesture, but to Anuyire, it meant the world. She could hardly believe the change.

Now, their home is a completely different place.

The children, who once lived in fear, are seeing their parents work together, sharing responsibilities and showing love. Robert and Anuyire talk more, and they’ve grown closer than ever. What once seemed like an impossible situation has turned into a story of hope and healing.

Their transformation shows how much impact the GEM+ program can have. Both Robert and Jeremiah's change gives hope to other families facing similar struggles. As the program continues to reach more homes, it’s helping to build a future where families can live in peace, love, and mutual respect.

Documented by GEM+ implementation team

Edited by Yakubu Hamdiatu

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