The Problem: Gendered Malnutrition
India runs the world’s biggest free foodgrain programme, yet malnutrition remains a serious issue, especially for women and girls.
Women are more affected: 57% of women (15–49 yrs) are anaemic vs. 26% of men.
Cultural norms often mean women eat last and least in poor households.
Gaps in POSHAN Abhiyaan
Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment (POSHAN) Abhiyaan aims to improve nutrition for women and children but has not achieved enough.
Large budget allocations (₹24,000 crore) are not fully used — only 69% was spent by Dec 2022.
Despite spending, anaemia and underweight cases increased in women.
Root Cause: Lack of Empowerment
Financial dependence and lack of decision-making power hurt women’s nutrition.
Studies show economically empowered women spend more on nutrition and family well-being.
Most working women have low-paying, unstable jobs and earn far less than men.
Solutions: Integration & Empowerment
Nutrition schemes like POSHAN must work with employment, health, and training programmes.
Use Anganwadi centres as hubs for meals, health check-ups, and skill-building.
Set goals to boost women’s income, autonomy, and job quality, not just reduce anaemia.
Women should be seen as leaders, not just recipients, in solving malnutrition.
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