The fight against hunger is inextricably linked to the fight for gender equality. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that inequalities faced by women are not merely a social issue, but a fundamental driver of malnutrition, impacting not only individual health but also community resilience and global food security. Systemic economic injustices, ranging from limited access to education and financial resources to disproportionate burdens of unpaid labor, create a cycle of vulnerability that leaves women and girls at heightened risk of undernutrition.
These inequalities aren’t accidental; they are the result of deliberate political and institutional choices. Structures dominated by patriarchal norms often overlook the specific nutritional needs of women, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. Addressing this requires a fundamental shift in how we approach food security, recognizing that economic empowerment of women is not just a matter of fairness, but a critical component of effective malnutrition prevention.
Economic Disparities: A Major Contributor to Food Insecurity
Women consistently face systemic economic disadvantages, both in developing nations and within established economies like France. These disparities manifest in several key areas, including limited access to education and lower literacy rates; a persistent gender wage gap throughout their careers; overrepresentation in precarious and informal employment; barriers to land ownership, credit, entrepreneurship, and financial services; and underrepresentation in economic decision-making roles. These factors collectively limit women’s ability to secure adequate nutrition for themselves and their families.
Gender norms significantly shape economic roles, concentrating resources and financial control in the hands of men while relegating women to domestic spheres and unpaid care work. This imbalance is further compounded by the often-unrecognized value of women’s domestic labor, which limits their economic autonomy and increases their risk of malnutrition. The sheer volume of unpaid work – housework, childcare, elder care – reduces women’s free time, including time available for income-generating activities.
women are disproportionately vulnerable to economic violence, particularly in the informal sector. This can include confiscation of income, forced dependency, and a lack of social protections. This creates a vicious cycle where precarity fuels violence, and violence perpetuates precarity. These forms of violence contribute to a broader continuum of violence against women, reinforcing inequalities and discrimination.
Unlocking Potential in Agriculture
The agricultural sector, where women comprise nearly 40% of the workforce, presents a significant opportunity for economic empowerment, yet remains riddled with inequalities. Despite their substantial contribution, women receive a disproportionately small share of the income generated from agricultural production, due to factors like limited financial literacy, unequal access to credit, and lower wages. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), achieving gender equality in agrifood systems could generate $1 trillion and reduce the number of food-insecure people by 45 million FAO (2023).
Exclusion from land ownership is a global phenomenon. In Africa, women own between 5 and 30% of land, despite constituting 80% of the agricultural labor force. This lack of secure land rights further exacerbates their economic vulnerability and limits their ability to invest in sustainable agricultural practices.
RESILAC: A Model for Inclusive Economic Empowerment
The RESILAC project, a regional program operating in Chad, Cameroon, and Nigeria, offers a promising example of how to address these challenges. Co-financed by the European Union and the AFD, and implemented by Action Against Hunger, CARE, and Groupe URD, with local partners, RESILAC aims to strengthen the economic and social resilience of populations in the Lake Chad Basin. The project supports economic recovery, job creation, and the development of diverse production systems. Recognizing the limited access women have to economic resources, RESILAC promotes their financial empowerment through Income-Generating Activities and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), facilitating savings and access to credit. The project trains municipalities in gender-responsive budgeting, ensuring that local policies actively contribute to gender equality.
The Path Forward: Justice and Equality for a Food-Secure Future
International research consistently converges on a single conclusion: no strategy to combat hunger can succeed without economic justice and gender equality. When women have the same resources, rights, and opportunities as men, communities become more resilient, food security improves, and cycles of malnutrition are broken. Action Against Hunger is committed to continuing and amplifying its efforts to transform the systems that perpetuate these inequalities.
The link between gender equality and nutrition is undeniable. Investing in women’s economic empowerment is not simply a matter of social justice; it is a pragmatic and essential step towards building a more food-secure and equitable world. Further research and sustained commitment to gender-responsive policies will be crucial in accelerating progress towards a future where everyone has access to adequate nutrition.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content on health and nutrition and should not be considered medical or professional advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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