It’s 2024, and still, women are being handed scraps when it comes to food security. The line at the food bank is long, but only the men and children are served first. By the time it’s a woman’s turn, there’s hardly anything left—just a few stale slices of bread or a tiny portion of rice. And this is not just happening somewhere else, in some faraway place. It’s happening now, across the globe. In cities, in refugee camps, in disaster-stricken areas, and even in your neighbourhood. Women are being told—through action, that their hunger matters less. That their survival doesn’t count. Why? Because they are expected to prioritize everyone else—at the expense of their own survival.While the world grapples with a growing food crisis, women, especially in impoverished and crisis-stricken regions, bear the brunt. Gender inequality in access to food is a vicious cycle that condemns women to poverty, poor health, and limited opportunities. Food scarcity is a gendered issue, and women are paying the price. But why does this happen? And what are we doing about it?
Food Scarcity and Women: A Global Inequality
Women Are More Vulnerable to Hunger Than Men
Research from the World Food Programme reveals a stark reality: women are disproportionately affected by food insecurity. Globally, women are 10% more likely to experience hunger than men, and in crisis situations, the gap only widens. Why? Because when resources are scarce, women often get left behind.
In regions where food is already in short supply, women’s access to nutritious meals is limited by societal expectations. They are expected to prioritize their families, leaving them with what’s left. Often, this means less food for them. This inequity has devastating consequences, particularly in areas where food scarcity is a recurring issue.
The Gender Pay Gap: A Barrier to Food Security
One of the primary reasons women experience food insecurity more than men is the persistent gender pay gap. As women earn less, they have less money to spend on food. In fact, according to Care International, 1 in 3 women in low-income countries are unable to afford sufficient food. This discrepancy isn't only a financial issue; it’s also a cultural one. Globally, women earn just 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, which leaves them with less money to buy food. This economic imbalance exacerbates the challenges women face in securing their nutritional needs.
Women are more likely to live in extreme poverty due to barriers to education and employment. This means fewer opportunities to escape hunger, especially in times of crisis or conflict. Women in Gaza, for instance, are among the hardest hit by food insecurity, with more than 557,000 women facing severe food shortages in 2024 alone.
The Effects of Food Scarcity on Women’s Health
Pregnancy and Malnutrition: A Dangerous Cycle
Pregnancy can make women even more vulnerable to food insecurity. Malnutrition during pregnancy not only affects the health of the mother but also jeopardizes the health of the unborn child. Yet, during times of crisis, women’s nutritional needs are often ignored. In fact, many are expected to do more with less, putting their health at serious risk.
In parts of Africa and the Middle East, pregnant women are particularly at risk. Poor nutrition during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm births, low birth weight, and increased maternal mortality. Women are often forced to make impossible choices between feeding themselves and their children, a decision that no one should have to make.
The Struggles of Displaced Women
During humanitarian crises—whether due to war, famine, or natural disasters—women and girls are left most vulnerable. The UN Women Arab States report reveals that 557,000 women in Gaza are currently experiencing extreme food insecurity. When women are displaced, they often lose access to their livelihoods and social support, further exacerbating their hunger.
When women are forced to flee their homes, they lose access to resources, including food. Refugees, especially women, face extreme vulnerabilities.
Displaced women often find themselves in camps where resources are limited, and food is rationed. They are frequently the last to receive aid, even when they are the primary caregivers for their families. The effects on their health, mental well-being, and quality of life are devastating.
The Hidden Causes of Food Scarcity for Women
Cultural Norms and Gender Bias
One of the root causes of food insecurity for women is the societal expectation that women should always put their families first. This expectation often means that women eat less, receive fewer resources, and have less access to food. In many cultures, women are taught to prioritize the needs of others before their own, a practice that leaves them vulnerable to malnutrition and poor health.
In addition to this, women are often excluded from decision-making processes related to food distribution, whether in families or communities. This lack of agency means that women rarely have control over what they eat or how much they receive.
Crisis Makes It Worse
During times of conflict or natural disaster, women’s access to food becomes even more precarious. The cost of living crisis in the UK, for example, has deepened food insecurity for many women, leaving them unable to afford basic nutrition. The scarcity of food, combined with rising prices, makes it difficult for women to feed themselves and their families, especially those already living in poverty.
How We Can Make a Difference
Empowering Women Through Access to Food
Empowering women begins with addressing the systemic inequalities they face, particularly in terms of access to food. Organizations like Bertha’s Legacy are working tirelessly to provide food security for women in vulnerable communities. But we need your help to do more.
You can join our efforts today by volunteering or donating to our cause. Your support can directly help feed a woman and her family, lifting them out of hunger and into a better future.
Changing the Narrative
It’s time to challenge the narrative that women are secondary. By addressing the root causes of food insecurity—poverty, inequality, and gender bias—we can help women rise above hunger. The next time you eat, remember that for many, a meal is a privilege, not a given. We must tackle the root causes of poverty, inequality, and gender bias that perpetuate hunger among women.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Women are facing an uphill battle to feed themselves and their families, and it’s time we all took action. Quoting “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller.
Help us support these women. Join Bertha’s Legacy as a volunteer or make a donation today. Every action counts in the fight against food insecurity.
Together, we can break the cycle of hunger and empower women to thrive. They deserve a future where their needs are met, and their voices are heard.
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