A 180-degree change: from misogynist to self-proclaimed feminist

He believed women were inferior and that educating girls was a waste of time, as they would eventually become pregnant. Bwalya also expressed a desire to revolt against USAID's efforts to change people's behavior. However, as he continued to attend bimonthly sessions, Bwalya's views began to shift. By session 7, he was defending women's interests, stating that women have the right to make decisions and should be treated as equals. He credited USAID for helping him see things in a different light and noted that his wife had also observed a change in his behavior. Bwalya's wife, Lorianne, corroborated her husband's transformation. She explained that before the sessions, Bwalya had refused to allow her to work and had threatened to send her to live with his parents if she gave birth to a girl. However, after attending the sessions, Bwalya began to treat her with respect and allowed her to seek employment. Lorianne also noted that Bwalya now treats her as an equal, rather than a subordinate. The couple expressed gratitude to USAID for their efforts in improving their lives. Bwalya's transformation serves as an example of the positive impact that USAID's programs can have on individuals and their families.