Today, March 8, is the International Women’s Day, a date that marks the historical struggle of women for equal rights and opportunities. Among the many challenges faced by women, one of the most significant is access to adequate and healthy food. Unfortunately, there is still great inequality when it comes to food in many parts of the world, and women are the most affected by this reality.
According to data from the UN’s interagency report, State of Food and Nutrition in the World (SOFI 2022), about 60 per cent of the world’s undernourished people are women. This means that there are currently 150 million more women than men living with food insecurity on the planet. Women are also the primary breadwinners for their families, which means that lack of access to food can directly affect the nutrition of their children and spouses.
Gender inequality is also reflected in access to productive resources, such as land and agricultural inputs, which makes it more difficult for women to produce their own food. In addition, women are also more affected by crises and conflicts, which can affect their food security.
However, despite the challenges, women also play a key role in promoting healthier and more sustainable food. They are the main consumers of healthy food and have the power to influence food choices in their families and communities. Also, according to data from SOFI 2022, women’s participation in the economy on an equal footing with men would increase global GDP by up to 26%.
Therefore, on this International Women’s Day, it is important to highlight the importance of access to adequate and healthy food for women and the need to promote gender equality in access to productive resources and in the food market. Only with an inclusive and fair approach will it be possible to ensure an equal and sustainable future for all women. By 2021, WFP helped 128 million beneficiaries, of which 68 million were women and girls.
On this date, the WFP Centre of Excellence against Hunger Brazil invited Brazilian chef, presenter and entrepreneur, Rita Lobo, to support this cause, telling a little more about the inequality faced by women in access to food and in the unequal division in the preparation of this food on a daily basis. Check out the full video here: