This research aims to inform the development and scaling-up of gender-based violence (GBV) education curricula in Rwanda. By examining three couples-based GBV prevention programs—Indashyikirwa, Bandebereho, and a program identified as Couples-Based Gender Transformative Intervention (CBGTI)—the study explores how these curricula foster healthier couple relationships and reduce intimate partner violence. 

Through a comparative analysis, the research investigates curriculum development processes, discourse, session sequencing, gender division, and underlying theories of change. It also considers how local adaptation, facilitator consistency, and sustained participant engagement influence program outcomes. The findings highlight the critical role of implementation quality—including pre-testing, facilitator training, local authority collaboration, and transparency in participant selection—in determining a program’s effectiveness and ethical delivery. 

Drawing on lessons from all three case studies, the research recommends the integration of couples-focused activities, a strong emphasis on gender norm transformation, and the establishment of post-program follow-up mechanisms. A synthesized, context-specific curriculum combining foundational topics, emotional regulation, practical life skills, and applied discussion topics—such as parenting, financial planning, and sexual consent—may offer a more robust and sustainable approach to couples-based GBV prevention in Rwanda.