Gender Gap in Food Security and Nutrition: Special Case of India in the G20

Abstract

The sustainability of food security and adequate nutrition is a global challenge. The G20 nations, representing two-thirds of the global population bear half of the world’s malnutrition burden in the form of either excessive or inadequate intake of nutrition. The general risks associated with food insecurity in terms of climate change, ecology and resource contraction vis-à-vis population are macro issues involving the global commons. This article which relates to the micro issue of the gender gap in household food security is based on public data and international indices on the status of food security and the gender gap. The study indicates the presence of a gender gap in nutrition for reasons more socio-cultural, than economic. The study is focused on G20 nations, especially India as it bears the largest burden of nutrition-related disease within the G20. Data from the Global Hunger Index and the Global Gender Gap Index of 2022 has portrayed India as a dismal performer despite the fact that India runs the largest public food security programme that has targeted nutrition programs for women beneficiaries. The present article identifies the common challenges faced by the G20 nations in the realm of food security and the steps taken for mitigation. The article also examines cooperation within G20 in realising the Sustainable Development Goals related to ending hunger and realising gender equity in food.