Dr. Michael Goodman writes about how men in rural Kenya are strengthening their families and communities through everyday acts of care, shared responsibility, and connection

This International Men’s Day, we recognize the everyday choices men are making to strengthen their families and communities in rural Kenya. Through the Kuja Pamoja kwa Jamii (KPJ) men’s groups—guided by the Flourishing Community Model—more than a thousand men meet each week to support one another in building healthier relationships, emotional well-being, and shared responsibility at home.

This past summer, through a community-led photovoice project, men documented their own transformations:

House Repairs with Wife:

A couple works together to repair their house. Their teamwork saves money for other needs and reflects unity in the relationship.

Doing Laundry Together:

A man helps his wife clean clothes, which is rare in the community. It represents positive change and togetherness.

Babysitting During Breakfast:

A man helps care for the baby while having breakfast with his wife, showing shared parenting roles.

Improved Intimate Partnerships:

A wife takes a photo of her family, capturing growth in their relationship and provision for the family. There is no conflict in their home, and her husband, who knows about and participates in the group, supports her involvement.

Road Repair:

These images show group members coming together to repair a road. It reflects the power of collective action and community improvement

Man and Wife Doing Laundry:

This image captures the husband interacting with his wife while she washes clothes. It symbolizes togetherness and partnership in their relationship.

Having Breakfast with Wife:

A man and his wife are having breakfast together, eating chapati. Sodzo has helped strengthen their relationship, promoting interaction and emotional closeness.

Across these stories, the images reveal something profound: when men heal, families and communities flourish.