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COMPENDIUM, IEEC-2023   ( ISBN : 978-81-967860-4-5 )
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Theme- 6: Community based Farming System for Nutrition - Achieving Nutritional Security for the Farm Families and Community

Women’s Economic Participation and Decision Making: A Review from Rural India

Ekta, Preeti Sharma and Lokendra Singh Kishnawat

Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab
ektamachra9510@gmail.com

Abstract

Nutrition Security is comprehensive access to a balanced diet, clean water, a safe environment, and comprehensive healthcare for all individuals. However, the crucial role of women's health, nutrition, education, and decision-making in achieving national nutrition security often goes unnoticed due to prevailing societal biases. This review paper aims to explore the nutritional status of women in India. The results from various researches revealed that women's diets suffer from hidden hunger, lacking essential vitamins and minerals due to insufficient consumption of income-elastic foods like vegetables, fruits, pulses, and animal-based products. Recognizing nutrition as a critical input and output parameter for development, rather than a mere by-product of economic progress, is essential to ensure nutrition security. It should not be overshadowed by a focus solely on curative or preventive health care, which primarily addresses chronic diseases and immunization. To address women's under-nutrition, factors such as poor purchasing power, limited food variety, early marriages, pregnancies at young ages (below 20 years), and inadequate self-care knowledge must be considered. Conceiving before the age of 18 significantly contributes to women's undernutrition, highlighting the need for improved family planning education and access to empower women for better maternal health and nutrition. Effective nutrition interventions for women should concentrate on enhancing the quantity and nutrient levels of household food, preventing micronutrient deficiencies and anemia, improving access to basic nutrition and health services, and providing better water, sanitation education, and facilities. By empowering women and addressing societal biases, we can create sustainable development and secure nutrition for all.

IEEC-2023 at RARI (SKNAU, Jobner), Jaipur, Rajasthan organised by Society of Extension Education, Agra, India