Underfed, Underpaid and Overlooked: Women, the Key to Food Security in South Asia

A fresh approach to food security is called for in South Asia. Despite increasing per capita availability of cereals in almost every country, endemic pockets of hunger remain, seasonal shortfalls are manifest and malnutrition is widespread across the region. Women and children are the greatest sufferers. This paper asserts that without addressing the widespread discrimination faced by women in the region, the situation is unlikely to improve. Malnourished and poorly educated women perpetuate the poverty cycle. The paper concludes with a set of actions which could help women in their struggle to secure adequate food for their families.