The Zero draft comprehensively addresses the main challenges of gender equality. However, the empowerment of women and girls in context of food and nutrition security embodies an element of access to affordable food and access to resources for food production. In this regard, empowerment is a process which requires fixing the disparities in access to productive resources and sources of income at grassroots. Title to land and income sources in most traditional societies are controlled by men and hence involving men from the onset is important to avoid backlash from men and increased violence against women as pushback against empowerment initiatives. There is need for awareness raising and engagement of men regarding efforts for empowering women and girls with respect to nutrition and food security, as this may require relinquishing power over resources or being more perceptive about the role of women food and nutrition security. I think involving men in some aspects of the broader discussions should take precedence. It is also critical to have female-only space or engagement for women and girls to reflect their unique perspectives and values in ensuring food and nutrition security to themselves and whole society.
Charity Kruger
Center for Environment Agricultural Research and Advocacy (CEARA)
Dr. Charity Kruger