Document Abstract
Published:
2007
Wider research paper: does women's status matter for food security? Evidence from Bangladesh
Exploring how status affects the food security of women in Bangladesh
This paper explores the relationship between women's status within the household (her power to bargain) and food security, considering individuals food intake, physical differences, activities performed, budget and asset control. It draws on data collected from a household survey conducted mainly in rural Bangladesh between 2004-05. The survey covered a wide variety of issues but focused on indicators that would reveal more about how food security and women's status interact. Over three days household member’s dietary intake was measured and the quality of the food was recorded. Also a time allocation chart was used to record the type and intensity of physical activity carried out. Household expenditure was charted looking at eating out practices and spending differences on food and non-food items. Also married women's household status was evaluated using three indicators: women's share of total household income; possession of assets, especially those brought at marriage; and a composite index of
women's empowerment, which looked at decision-making power around household finances, mobility, domestic violence, political awareness and nutritional awareness.
Findings from this data show how gender inequalities impact on food security, for example, many men work away from home and tend to eat out, resulting in a smaller budget for other household members eating 'in house'. Where women have a higher share of household income this increases their status in the giving them more influence over household food distribution. Where women scored highly on the composite indicator this correlated with significant positive impacts on equal distribution of good quality food within the household, budget share of food and individual food expenditure. Other important factors seen to contribute to women's empowerment were higher levels of education, having a supportive network of relatives, having an independent source of incomeand participation in NGO activities.
Findings from this data show how gender inequalities impact on food security, for example, many men work away from home and tend to eat out, resulting in a smaller budget for other household members eating 'in house'. Where women have a higher share of household income this increases their status in the giving them more influence over household food distribution. Where women scored highly on the composite indicator this correlated with significant positive impacts on equal distribution of good quality food within the household, budget share of food and individual food expenditure. Other important factors seen to contribute to women's empowerment were higher levels of education, having a supportive network of relatives, having an independent source of incomeand participation in NGO activities.
