To commemorate International Women’s Day yesterday, Isatou Jallow, chief of the World Food Program’s Gender Unit, gave an interview discussing the role of women in global agriculture and the combating of hunger.
Her interview addresses the key role that women play in agricultural labor and food security for the household. She also discusses the risks facing women and girls at vulnerable stages (e.g. childhood and pregnancy) when food access and nutrition are compromised, as well as how barriers, both natural and man-made, can complicate the process of getting food to women in emergency situations.
Despite these challenges, Jallow argues that women are the key figures in addressing food crises around the world, saying:
“Although more than 60 percent of chronically hungry people in the world are women, experience shows that food put in the hands of women is far more likely to reach the mouths of needy children, and to be distributed equitably. “
Posted by Sara Chupein
