Nicholos Kristof and Sheryll WuDunn write a great article on how the empowerment of women can be the silver bullet we've all been looking for in development.
One of the most relavent points the authors bring out in relation to nutrition is the spending habits of poor men versus poor women:
"Our interviews and perusal of the data available suggest that the poorest families in the world spend approximately 10 times as much (20 percent of their incomes on average) on a combination of alcohol, prostitution, candy, sugary drinks and lavish feasts as they do on educating their children (2 percent). If poor families spent only as much on educating their children as they do on beer and prostitutes, there would be a breakthrough in the prospects of poor countries. Girls, since they are the ones kept home from school now, would be the biggest beneficiaries. Moreover, one way to reallocate family expenditures in this way is to put more money in the hands of women. A series of studies has found that when women hold assets or gain incomes, family money is more likely to be spent on nutrition, medicine and housing, and consequently children are healthier."
Hard to admit, but its the truth we've seen too often in the field. Bad spending choices are often a contributing factor to malnutrition. I've seen huts with a malnourished child and a DVD player. Families will often opt for a satellite dish, even if that means less nutritious food for the children. The tribal areas of MP are especially hard hit by alcoholism, which often leads to domestic violence, depression, and less money for nutrition and education. Less sinister, busy parents will often buy a few packets of biscuits a week to feed their child - not realizing that while they are providing calories, they're not providing nutrition. Biscuits cost a lot more than making a nutritious dal and roti.
With money in the hands of women, I'm sure, as the authors observe, more resources will be spent on nutrition, medicine, and education. The resourcesfulness of poor women to provide for their families is inspiring. Of course the solution is not that simple. Men cannot be left out of development. A change in long-engrained mindsets against women is required. Age-old prejudice's and customs must be overcome. Alcoholism must be addressed. Financial education should be given and fiscal responsibility needs to be taught. Women need to believe in themselves and men in women. But at least we know where the focus should be.
Check out the rest of the articles in this series which all give great insights into the power of women in development.
No comments:
Post a Comment