Norina fled South Sudan with her two sons in January. As a member of the Food Management Committee, Norina represents her community of 100 people living in Zone I, Palorinya Settlement in Northern Uganda.

​

“Food is life. We have to be there as women, the ones cooking for our families, the experts on what is good and bad food – we must stand on the Food Management Committees to observe that the food given to us is good enough."

​

"I’m from South Sudan where around 99% of the women there aren’t allowed to participate in any formal work. Since coming to Uganda three months ago – I’ve noticed that there are many organisations here in Palorinya refugee settlement and around that are sensitizing people on equality between men and women. I feel that what a man can do, a woman can also do. If a man can be part of the Food Management Committee on behalf of his community, why can’t I also do this – to show that women are also doing their part? I want to show to the rest of the women in my community that what men are doing here – we can also do."

​

"As a member of the Food Management Committee, I like that I can make a difference within my community. I am here on the days when the World Food Programme (WFP) is distributing the food and I can answer any queries or problems which people are having. Some people like beans others like peas, it would be nice to mix it up a bit so people can get what they want.

​

We like what the WFP gives us, the beans and posho is our favourite meal as a family. The body has different demands on us, so it needs different nutrients. When you lack certain things, you get sick. Without a balanced diet – our bodies will fail us."

​

"I came here alone with my two boys Joel and Saviour. My husband stayed behind in Juba, and I’ve heard recently that he’s married another woman there. I want to find a job here in Uganda and educate my boys. People in Uganda show us love and care, it feels good to be here.”

​

​

Photo: Claire Nevill / Story: @Beyond Bidibidi