The article underscores the enduring challenges of hunger and malnutrition in India, highlighting the significant impact on women and girls, who are often overlooked in health and nutrition schemes. Despite economic growth and welfare initiatives, nutritional inequality remains deeply gendered.
POSHAN Abhiyaan
Launched in 2018, this program aims to improve nutrition among pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and young children, targeting a malnutrition-free India by 2022. However, significant disparities persist.
Statistics from NFHS-5
- 57% of women aged 15-49 are anaemic compared to 26% of men.
- Nearly 20% of women are underweight.
Despite substantial investment, such as the allocation of nearly ₹24,000 crore for Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 in 2022-23, only 69% of funds had been utilized by December 2022. Anaemia rates among women even rose from 53% to 57% between survey rounds.
Challenges in Addressing Malnutrition
- Entrenched cultural norms lead women and girls to eat least and last in many households, especially when food is scarce.
- Malnutrition transcends food-supply issues, representing a social justice issue linked to economic and decision-making power.
Women's Economic Empowerment
- 49% of women lack decision-making power over their earnings, often leading to compromised nutrition.
- Studies show financially empowered women are more likely to improve nutrition and children's well-being.
Employment Statistics
- Female labor force participation rose from 23% to 33% between 2017-18 and 2021-22.
- Only 5% of working women hold regular salaried jobs, with 20% being self-employed, often in low-paying roles.
- Self-employed women earn 53% less than men in similar work.
Recommendations for Improvement
- Establish measurable targets for women's independent incomes and decision-making power.
- Encourage collaborative efforts between nutrition, health, and livelihood departments for joint interventions.
- Utilize Anganwadi centers for comprehensive women's welfare, including meals, care, and skills training.
Ultimately, achieving a malnutrition-free India requires empowering women as active agents in driving health and prosperity, not just passive beneficiaries of nutrition schemes.
