Women's unique role as mothers and care-givers, coupled with their marginalization in South Asian societies makes for a compelling case for empowering women to improve the nutrition and well-being of entire households. Evidence shows that women earners are likely to make more pro-nutrition consumption choices for the households. However, usually women have limited agency and decision making authority in the household where a woman's income may be entitled to the household. For women’s income to be a factor in influencing consumption choices and nutrition outcomes, there needs to be acknowledgement within the family that a particular income stream does belong to a woman. Therefore it is important to recognize and acknowledge the contribution of women's paid work in the household which in turn may also have empowerment effects for the woman.
Amna Akhtar
Women's unique role as mothers and care-givers, coupled with their marginalization in South Asian societies makes for a compelling case for empowering women to improve the nutrition and well-being of entire households. Evidence shows that women earners are likely to make more pro-nutrition consumption choices for the households. However, usually women have limited agency and decision making authority in the household where a woman's income may be entitled to the household. For women’s income to be a factor in influencing consumption choices and nutrition outcomes, there needs to be acknowledgement within the family that a particular income stream does belong to a woman. Therefore it is important to recognize and acknowledge the contribution of women's paid work in the household which in turn may also have empowerment effects for the woman.