Globally, women play a huge role in ensuring everyone has enough to eat — with responsibility for an estimated 90% of all food purchases and preparation — yet gender inequality means that they are more vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition.
In times of crisis, it’s women who forgo the most meals. Between 2019 and 2021, the gender gap in food insecurity more than doubled from 49 million to 126 million, as the COVID-19 pandemic impacted livelihoods, income, and access to nutritious food for women.
Meanwhile, the number of pregnant and breastfeeding adolescent girls and women suffering from acute malnutrition has risen by 25% since 2020 in the 12 countries hit hardest by the global food and nutrition crisis, according to UNICEF.
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About the author
Emma Smith
For four years, Emma Smith covered careers and recruitment, among other topics, for Devex. She now freelances for Devex and has a special interest in mental health, immigration, and sexual and reproductive health. She holds a degree in journalism from Glasgow Caledonian University and a master’s in media and international conflict.
