How SASA! Transformed Elizabeth’s Family and Community

For ten years, Bidibidi refugee settlement has been home to thousands of South Sudanese
families fleeing conflict and seeking safety in Uganda. Among them is Khot Elizabeth Chol, a
33-year-old mother of three, who arrived as a child escaping the horrors of war. Life in the
settlement has not been easy, but her journey reveals how change can blossom even in the
most difficult environments.
When Elizabeth got married and started a family, she quickly realized that much of the
responsibility for their survival fell on her shoulders. She had to cook, clean, take care of the
children, and at the same time struggle to raise money for children’s school fees. Her husband,
influenced by cultural norms from back home, believed domestic and child-related
responsibilities were strictly for women. This left Elizabeth overwhelmed, stressed, and
constantly worried about the future of her children.
“I felt like I was carrying the whole world on my shoulders. Every day was about finding food,
struggling for school fees, and doing all the work at home. I was tired, and at some point, I had
lost hope,” Elizabeth recalls.
The turning point came when UGANET introduced the SASA! methodology to Bidibidi
Settlement. SASA!, a community mobilization approach, focuses on power dynamics in
relationships and empowers men and women to reflect, question harmful cultural norms, and
adopt healthier, more equitable ways of living. For Elizabeth, SASA! created a safe space where
she could find her voice and begin speaking openly about the challenges she faced at home.

Through SASA! sessions, Elizabeth’s husband began to understand the importance of
partnership through balancing power in the family. Slowly, he started helping with household
work and contributing to the children’s education. “At first, he thought I was just complaining, but
when we both learned through SASA!, he saw that the responsibility of building a family should
be shared,” she explains with a smile.
Today, the results speak for themselves. Elizabeth and her husband now share household
responsibilities. Their three children are in school, something she once feared would never
happen. Together, they cultivate a two-acre garden of sorghum, ensuring both food and a
source of income. The stress that once weighed Elizabeth down has given way to happiness
and hope.
For UGANET, Elizabeth’s story is a powerful testimony of what community-driven approaches
can achieve in refugee settings. Ahabwe Caleb, A Programs Officer under the UGANET’s
Gender Equality and VAW Prevention Department, emphasizes: “Elizabeth’s transformation
shows us that changing harmful norms is possible when communities themselves are part of the
solution. SASA! is not about telling people what to do, it’s about sparking reflection, dialogue,
and action that makes families stronger.”
Elizabeth now sees herself not just as a wife and mother, but as a change agent in her
community. She actively shares her story with other women in Bidibidi, encouraging them to
speak up and challenge traditions that silence them. Her courage inspires families around her to
adopt new ways of living.
As Elizabeth reflects on her journey, she adds, “I am no longer voiceless. I feel respected,
supported, and hopeful for my children’s future. This change in my family is proof that when
men and women walk together, life is better.”
Elizabeth’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. From carrying an
unbearable burden alone to now enjoying shared responsibility and stability, she demonstrates
the profound impact of empowering women and engaging men in the fight against gender
inequality. Her story is not just her own; it is the story of what is possible when harmful cultural
norms are challenged and equality takes root.