Unyama subcounty located in Gulu district has reached the stage of awareness creation of its nutrition bylaw known as Food security, community institution and gender responsive bylaw.
A bylaw is a rule or regulation enacted by a local government (municipality) to govern activities within its jurisdiction, or an internal rule established by an organization (like a corporation or to govern its operations.
Bylaws maintain order and safety locally, covering issues like noise or zoning or outline the management structure for organizations.
The formation of the bylaw was triggered by several malnutrition cases in the sub county and a lot of unpaid care work being left on the women among others.
Kidega Justine, the Lc3 chairperson for Unyama subcounty has confirmed to favor FM that with support from Mission Uganda and Uganda Women’s Network, they are now in the process of creating awareness to the community before execution, after their by law was approved by Gulu district.
Kidega stresses that men should support the women in doing every work at home because when all is left to them it becomes overwhelming and this affects their wellbeing since most responsibilities have already been left for them.
According to Kidega, they have formed ‘’role model men’’ and drama groups who are helping in awareness creation and with this they are beginning to see a reduction in the cases of gender-based violence in the sub county.
Kidega said that before, they would register 5 cases of GBV every week but now they have reduced to 2 or 3 cases a week or even none, something that makes them proud as leaders.
Kidega also stresses that to have total peace in a home the men and women should not only work together but also ensure that they have enough food stored for the family to consume and stay healthy.
By Rebecca Ekwany
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