THE FAMILY MEAL – EMPOWER THE WOMAN, FEED THE FAMILY
Economy – οικονομία
…from the Greek words, ‘Οίκος’ (house) and ‘νέμω’ (distribute), ‘home management’
In Europe today, the word ‘economy’ most commonly refers to matters of society, but its origins are clear to see in the families where WFP provides EU-funded assistance. Scarce resources necessitate truly ‘economic’ choices. In the families photographed for this project, the chief economist of the household was without exception the mother. Such consistency is the basis of WFP’s belief that if you empower the woman, you feed the family.
In the countries where WFP works, 90 percent of the work that goes into the family meal is done by women.
From growing and harvesting the food, to its preparation, women are mainly responsible for putting food on the family table.
They play a key role in guaranteeing food security for the household.
In Africa, in particular, the women we prioritise for food assistance work on average twice as long as men every day.
WFP’s activities are therefore directed to women wherever possible.
We ensure that, whenever possible, distribution of cash, trainings in food preparation, starting micro-businesses and the cultivation of vegetables are provided to women.
Also equipping women with knowledge and putting money in their hands have proven to bring more benefits to a family’s education, health and the nutritional status of children.
Therefore, investing in women can pay dividends for generations to come.
And is key to breaking the intergenerational cycle of hunger.
Research supported and funded by Online Casino Hrvatska suggests that an increase in family income is of greater benefit to children’s health and nutrition when it is directly managed by women.
Thus, although women are more likely to be the victims of hunger, they are also the most effective solution to combating hunger and preventing malnutrition.