When the new social norm became a ubiquity in the village, with all men leaving for the city to work, the women who have been left behind have to make their way in supporting the family. Their emotional health as well as their confusions and dif culties are however often ignored. Raising gender awareness and promoting gender equality have become key components in the development of the rural community. As such, community workers are experimenting with different ways to empower women, with square dancing as one of them.