Preparations for implementation of the Parenting for Respectability Digital feasibility pilot are ongoing, with the aim to commence fieldwork between April - May. A study protocol has been submitted for review and evaluation tools have been adapted, including a baseline tool to assess parents prior to programme onboarding and an endline tool to assess the effectiveness of the App based parenting intervention. A new version of the PfR-App with modular skin has been updated by implementation partner INNODEMS. A review of features and content such as captions on emojis and home tours to facilitate user navigation is in progress. The ‘Inclusive Parenting: Digital Solutions for Disability-Inclusive Family Well-being in Uganda’ Project has also received first level ethical approval and activity planning is underway and Future Leader team members continue to progress their research planning. PhD student, Onesmus Kamacooko submitted and defended his research concept to the Higher Degrees Committee and is writing his thesis proposal. In addition, Masters Student Martin Joy Omello submitted a research concept entitled: “A mobile-phone based application to track and report under-reported experiences of intimate partner violence among men in Amuru town - Uganda: Development and feasibility testing“.
In terms of advocacy and scale up activities, the team participated in a parenting symposium in February. During this event, the four disability inclusive interns based at Makerere University Child Health and Development Centre presented a Skit on disability inclusive parenting, which was very well received. In addition, Professor Godfrey Siu (Principal Investigator) presented on the role of male caregivers in parenting at a recent UNICEF webinar which introduced evidence briefs to support parenting programmes to integrate violence prevention against women and children and promote gender equality. Finally, the team is exploring a potential PfR radio programme to supplement planned study reach and the team’s strategy for PfR scale up.