Inequalities in Food Access and Health Outcomes
Food Production: Women's Critical but Undervalued Role
Women Are Essential to Food Production
- Women contribute significantly to agriculture, especially in LICs and MICs.
- They are often responsible for growing subsistence crops, rearing livestock, and especially ensuring household food (and water) security.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, women make up about 50% of the agricultural workforce.
Barriers Women Face in Agriculture
- Limited Land Ownership: Women own less than 20% of the world's agricultural land, restricting their ability to make decisions or invest in improvements.
- Lack of Access to Credit: Without land as collateral, women struggle to secure loans for seeds, tools, or technology.
- Exclusion from Training: Agricultural training programs often target men, leaving women without the skills or knowledge to increase productivity.
Studies show that if women had the same access to resources as men, agricultural yields could increase by 20–30%, reducing global hunger.
Food Acquisition: The Double Burden on Women
Women Manage Household Nutrition
- Women are typically responsible for purchasing, preparing, and distributing food within households.
- They prioritize feeding children and other family members, often sacrificing their own nutritional needs.
In South Asia, women consume 20–30% fewer calories than men, despite being the primary caregivers.
Nutritional Inequality
- Lower Calorie Intake: Women's dietary intake is often insufficient, leading to higher rates of malnutrition.
- Micronutrient Deficiencies: Iron, calcium, and vitamin deficiencies are common among women, exacerbating health issues.
When studying nutritional inequality, consider both calorie intake and the quality of nutrients consumed.
Health Disparities: Unequal Access to Care
Maternal Mortality and Healthcare Access
- Women face higher health risks due to reproductive roles, yet often lack access to essential healthcare services.
- Maternal Mortality: High rates of maternal deaths in LICs are linked to inadequate prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and emergency services.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the maternal mortality rate is 1 in 37, compared to 1 in 4,900 in HICs.
Gender Bias in Healthcare
- Underrepresentation: Women's health needs are often overlooked in research and policy-making.
- Financial Barriers: Women are less likely to afford healthcare due to lower income and financial dependency.
Don't assume that healthcare access is solely about availability. Cultural norms and financial barriers also play critical roles.
