Blog of Habiba Alambo, SI Representative to the UN in Nairobi.
60%. Imagine that. Approximately 60% of the 354 million people worldwide who are severely hungry are women and girls, according to a recent report by UN Women. This staggering statistic reflects more than just food insecurity—it highlights deep-rooted gender biases embedded in cultural practices worldwide. In many communities, mealtime traditions reveal stories of power, gender roles, and societal norms. One enduring practice persists across regions: women eat last, and often, they eat the least.
Cultural Practices Around the World
In many rural parts of South Asia, especially India, patriarchal traditions dictate that women and girls serve men and boys first and only eat after they have finished. This is most common in conservative households in states like Rajasthan, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, in the Middle East, within communities like the Pashtun ethnic group, cultural norms require women to wait until men have eaten, reflecting a strict hierarchy within the family. In West African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, men traditionally eat first, followed by women and children. Even in developed nations, some immigrant communities continue to practice these customs. These traditions often stem from entrenched power dynamics rather than specific cultural requirements.
The Impact on Global Efforts to End Hunger – The Pact of the Future
These mealtime practices pose a significant challenge to global efforts to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. When women and girls eat last, they often receive smaller portions or lower-quality food, which limits their nutritional intake. In regions facing food scarcity, what is left may not meet their dietary needs, especially during pregnancy or lactation when nutritional requirements are higher. This unequal food distribution directly contributes to why women and girls constitute 60% of those most affected by hunger.
Further, malnutrition in women not only weakens their immune systems but also increases the likelihood of giving birth to malnourished children, perpetuating a cycle of intergenerational malnutrition. The ripple effects of these traditions extend beyond individual health to affect entire communities, creating a cycle of vulnerability and poverty that can be hard to break. At this point, a negative correlation is emerging, between these practices and the United Nation’s pledge to end hunger and eliminate food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition.
At the recently concluded Summit of the Future, a major high-level event planned by the United Nations and designed to tackle pressing global challenges and reshape international cooperation in light of current and emerging crises, world leaders adopted a Pact of the Future which covered a broad range of themes – one of which has a direct impact on the issue of how hunger and food insecurity impacts women and girls. This is in reference to Action 3: We will end hunger and eliminate food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition, under the just adopted Pact of the Future.
Can the UN’s efforts break these cycles and take a positive step towards change?
Breaking the cycle: What are some steps towards change?
To minimise the harmful impact of these practices on women and girls, it is vital that the UN and its stakeholders continue to promote gender equality and advocate for equal rights and treatment of women at all levels, including in food distribution within households. Further, the UN and its partners must implement additional educational programs that challenge traditional gender norms and highlight the importance of equal nutrition for all family members.
Empowering women economically is another critical step. As denoted by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, during her time as Executive Director of UN Women, empowering women economically leads to broader societal benefits, including improved family nutrition, education, and health outcomes. When women have greater decision-making power over food resources, they can improve the nutrition of their households. Policies that prioritise the nutritional needs of women and girls, especially in food-insecure regions, must be put in place and rigorously enforced. Stakeholders should also monitor progress in reducing gender inequality through data collection and accountability measures to ensure governments address disparities in food distribution.
The Call to Action
We do recognise that shifting cultural practices and changing deeply ingrained beliefs is no easy task, but it is essential. These traditions are woven into the fabric of communities worldwide, yet they should not dictate the fate of women and girls particularly regarding malnutrition and food insecurity. If we want to create a future where women and girls can thrive, we must unite in advocating for their rights and well-being. It’s not just about giving women a seat at the table; it’s about ensuring they are equally nourished and valued.
The question is not whether we can make a difference but rather: What role will you play in ending hunger, eliminating food insecurity, and eradicating all forms of malnutrition for women and girls? Together, we can transform lives.