By Elijah Banda
In 2015, global leaders pledged to reduce chronic malnutrition in children younger than 5 by 40% before 2025 (International Food Policy Research Institute 2016). Despite global efforts, only three regions achieved at least a 50% decline in stunting from 1990 to 2015 (UNICEF 2015). Consequently, empowering women and the promotion of children’s health are key components of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted for achievement by 2030. The survival of children depends on their nutrition and is influenced largely by the interaction of factors at the household level.
Thus, the greater responsibility of caring for children rests with women, who contribute more to household interaction. This is evident because the empowerment of women is positively correlated to child survival. Child nutrition is a critical aspect of public health that directly affects the growth, development, and well-being of future generations. While various strategies have been employed to address malnutrition, one of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools is women's empowerment. Empowering women, especially in the context of family and community, can have a profound impact on child nutrition, breaking the cycle of poverty and poor health that communities face. Empowered women are more likely to be educated, which increases their knowledge of proper nutrition, hygiene, and healthcare practices.
Educated mothers are better equipped to make informed decisions about their children’s diets, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. On the other hand, when women also have access to economic resources and opportunities, they can contribute to household income, reducing financial barriers to accessing nutritious food. Economic independence also allows women to prioritize spending on health and nutrition, which is often overlooked in male-dominated financial decisions. In many households, women are the primary caregivers. When they are empowered to have greater autonomy and influence over household decisions, they can advocate for better nutrition, healthcare, and education for their children. This power shift leads to improved dietary diversity and better health outcomes.
The other issue is health and reproductive rights. Empowered women tend to have better access to healthcare and family planning services. This means they are more likely to space pregnancies adequately and have fewer children, which allows them to provide better care and nutrition to each child. Additionally, maternal health is closely linked to child nutrition, as healthier mothers are more likely to give birth to healthy babies. Across the world, numerous initiatives have demonstrated the positive impact of women's empowerment on child nutrition. For instance, in rural communities in Malawi, programs that provide women with agricultural training and resources have resulted in increased household food security and improved child nutrition. Women who are involved in the decision-making process regarding crop production and food distribution are more likely to ensure that their children receive adequate nutrition.
In India, self-help groups (SHGs) for women have empowered mothers with financial literacy, microloans, and entrepreneurial skills. These groups have enabled women to start small businesses, improving their economic status and, consequently, their children’s nutritional intake. Moreover, the collective nature of SHGs fosters a supportive environment where women can share knowledge and practices related to child nutrition. Of course, to harness the full potential of women's empowerment in improving child nutrition, governments and organizations need to implement policies that focus on the following areas: education, economic opportunities, health access, and legal and social reforms.
In conclusion, women's empowerment is more than just a goal for gender equality; it is a critical tool for improving child nutrition and overall public health. By investing in women’s education, economic empowerment, and decision-making power, societies can break the cycle of malnutrition and pave the way for healthier, more prosperous communities.
Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must recognize the central role women play in ensuring the nutritional well-being of their children and implement policies that support and amplify this role. Empowered women are not just better caregivers; they are key to the health and future of the next generation.
This article was first published in The Daily Times newspaper in Malawi.
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