Right to food and women in India

October 16 each year is World Food Day. It is a day to remind us of the global struggle against hunger and malnutrition. A day to remind us to take action to help those who suffer from hunger. A day to remind us that food security is a fundamental human right.

Food security is a great challenge in India. Millions of people in the country struggle with hunger and malnutrition.

In India, women are primarily responsible for food production, preparation, and nutrition within households. Food security cannot be achieved without their effective participation. But their ability to contribute effectively is hindered by many challenges. What is the relationship between food security and women in India, what are the challenges they face, what are their contributions, and how can they be enabled to contribute more effectively?

Right to Food is a Fundamental Right

Right to food is a fundamental human right under international law, specifically in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). This right entitles every person to have regular access to enough nutritionally adequate food to lead a healthy and active life. However, despite this right, millions of people, particularly women and children, still suffer from hunger and malnutrition.

India’s Constitution does not explicitly mention the right to food as a fundamental right. But it is derived as a fundamental right from Article 21 and Article 32. The Supreme Court in PUCL v. Union of India case in 2001 recognized the right to food as part of the right to live with dignity and directed the government to implement the Mid-day Meal Scheme.

Food insecurity

Food insecurity is a complex issue. It is affected by several factors such as poverty, conflict, climate change, and systemic inequalities. Women are disproportionately affected by these challenges. They often face barriers in access to resources, education, and decision-making power. This hinders their ability to secure food for themselves and their families.

Because of its huge population and widespread poverty and malnutrition, food security is a big challenge in India. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says that about 189 million people in India are undernourished. Women’s ineffective participation is one of the main causes of food insecurity in India

Women’s role in food security

In India, women’s contribution to the agricultural sector is significant. They contribute to food production and household nutrition. The National Sample Survey says that women are about 33% of the agricultural workforce. They are involved in several agricultural activities such as planting, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. They are responsible for preparing meals and ensuring their families receive adequate nutrition.

Their contributions to food security extends beyond agriculture. They manage household resources and make decisions about food purchases and consumption. Research shows that when women have control over household resources, they are more likely to invest in their children’s health and education, leading to improved food security outcomes.

Challenges faced by women in achieving food security

Despite their significant contributions, women in India face several challenges that impede their ability to ensure food security:

1. Limited Access to Resources: Women often have less access to land, credit, and agricultural inputs compared to men. According to the FAO, women own only about 13% of agricultural land in India. This lack of access limits their ability to produce food and earn a stable income.

2. Cultural and Social Barriers: Traditional gender roles and cultural norms often restrict women’s participation in agriculture and decision-making processes. In many communities, women are expected to prioritize household responsibilities over agricultural activities, limiting their opportunities for empowerment.

3. Education and Training: Many women lack access to education and training programs that could enhance their agricultural skills and knowledge. This gap in education prevents them from adopting modern farming techniques that could improve productivity and sustainability.

4. Health and Nutrition: Women often face health challenges that affect their ability to work and provide for their families. Malnutrition among women and girls is a significant issue, as it can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, affecting both maternal and child health. In 2015–2016, 22.9% of non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years in India, were underweight

5. Climate Change and Environmental Factors: Women are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, which can worsen food insecurity. As primary caregivers and food providers, they are often on the front lines of climate-related challenges, such as droughts and floods, which can threaten their livelihoods.

Women’s empowerment and food security

Women’s empowerment is the first step to achieve food security in India. If women are given equal access to resources, education, and decision- making power, they can significantly improve agricultural productivity
and household nutrition. Several strategies can be implemented to empower women in the agricultural sector:

1. Access to Land and Resources: Policymakers should ensure that women have equal access to land and agricultural resources. Policies should recognize women’s land rights and provide women with access to credit and agricultural inputs.

2. Education and Training Programs: Provide women access to education and training programs that enhance their agricultural skills and knowledge. This should include training on sustainable farming practices, nutrition, and financial literacy. These will enable them to make informed decisions about food production and household management.

3. Promote Women’s Cooperatives: Encourage formation of women’s cooperatives. These can help women gain access to
markets, resources, and support networks. And provide women with collective bargaining power, thus enable them to negotiate better prices for their products, and better access to credit.

4. Address Women’s Health and Nutrition: Improved health and nutrition will enhance women’s productivity and well-being. Targeted health programs that reduce malnutrition and provide access to healthcare services must be implemented.

5. Involve Women in Decision-Making: Women must be involved in decision-making at all levels, from household decisions to policymaking. This will ensure that their voices are heard, and policies are designed to meet their specific needs and to overcome challenges specific to them.

Conclusion

Food security is a major challenge in India. Women, if empowered by access to resources, education, and decision-making power, can greatly help meet this challenge. If the barriers to their ability to ensure food security for themselves and their families are removed or lessened, a more equitable and sustainable food system will emerge. Such system will benefit all members of society.

A huger free future is possible only if women are empowered and are made equal partner in all our endeavours. Women’s empowerment will not only benefit their families, communities, and country, but will also help to lessen or eradicate global hunger and malnutrition.

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