Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Re: Invitation to comment on the revised draft of the political outcome document of the ICN2

Gender team, Social Protection Division, FAO

Italy

Comments on the revised draft of the political outcome document (12 May 2014)

of the Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2)

Gender team, Social Protection Division

It is proposed that an emphasis on gender equality aspects be given to the political outcome document “Draft of the Rome Declaration on Nutrition”, recognizing that closing the gender gap in agriculture will produce significant nutritional gains for the society. Therefore, it is suggested that:

 Multiple threats of malnutrition are a major challenge to sustainable development

Add the following bullet point in paragraph 5 on the root causes of malnutrition:

  • Gender inequality in access to resources, opportunities, services and decision-making is a major cause and consequence of malnutrition.

Add the following point in paragraph 10 on uneven progress in reducing malnutrition, after c):

  • Micronutrient deficiencies disproportionately impact women and children. Half of those suffering from iron deficiency are pregnant women and children under five in developing countries.

A vision for global action to end all forms of malnutrition

Add the following point in paragraph 11, after d):

  • achieving gender equality remains crucial to reducing food and nutrition security; given women’s key role in nutrition, particularly at household level, positive measures for women must continue, but a more holistic approach to gender is needed to foster equitable, food and nutrition secure societies.

Add the following point in paragraph 12, after e):

  • women’s role in nutrition through agricultural production, food provision and child care needs to be recognized and increased access to food and productive resources for women should be promoted throughout the food system;

Commitment to action

Rephrase paragraphs 13. a) and e) as follows:

a)      eradicate hunger and all forms of malnutrition for all categories of people, particularly...

e)  enhance people’s nutrition, including people with special needs, and eliminate gender and age inequalities in nutritional status, through policies and initiatives for healthy diets throughout the life course......