Hindu Editorial Analysis : 7-February-2024

Uttar Pradesh, a state in India, highlights how empowering women can combat malnutrition. By supporting community-based micro enterprises led by self-help groups, the state is making strides in improving nutrition for all.

Understanding Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a serious issue that involves not getting the right amount of nutrients. It includes:

  • Undernutrition: Not having enough food or nutrients.
  • Overweight and Obesity: Consuming too many unhealthy foods.
  • Diet-Related Diseases: Conditions that arise from poor eating habits.

Challenges Leading to Malnutrition

Several factors contribute to the ongoing issue of malnutrition, especially among women:

Economic Factors
  • Poverty: Many families struggle financially, making it hard to access nutritious food.
  • Limited Financial Independence: Women, despite being caregivers, often have little control over household spending.
Cultural Factors
  • Gender Norms: Cultural beliefs can lead to women eating less nutritious food.
  • Patriarchy: In many households, women are the last to eat, often leaving them with less food.
Social Factors
  • Early Marriage and Lack of Education: These issues restrict women’s ability to seek better nutrition for themselves and their families.
  • Pandemic Effects: The COVID-19 pandemic increased women’s unpaid work, such as childcare, causing them to neglect their own health.

Impacts of Malnutrition

The effects of malnutrition are profound:

  • Reduced Productivity: Malnourished individuals are often less productive at work.
  • Intergenerational Inequity: Poor nutrition in women can lead to negative health effects in their children.
  • Poor Education and Job Prospects: Undernourished children tend to perform poorly in school and struggle to find good jobs.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government is prioritizing the fight against malnutrition through various schemes:

  • Anganwadi Services: Providing essential nutrition and health education.
  • Scheme for Adolescent Girls: Focusing on improving the health of young girls.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Offering financial support to pregnant women.

POSHAN Abhiyaan

Launched in 2018, this initiative aims to improve the nutritional status of:

  • Adolescent Girls
  • Pregnant Women
  • Lactating Mothers

It focuses on a coordinated approach to achieve results effectively.

Why In News

Uttar Pradesh serves as a compelling example of how women’s empowerment can effectively combat malnutrition by fostering community-based micro enterprises led by self-help groups, thereby not only enhancing nutritional outcomes but also promoting economic independence and resilience among women.

MCQs about Women’s Empowerment and Malnutrition

  1. What is malnutrition primarily characterized by?
    A. Access to clean water
    B. Deficiencies or imbalances in nutrient intake
    C. High levels of exercise
    D. Economic prosperity
    Correct Answer: B. Deficiencies or imbalances in nutrient intake
    Explanation: Malnutrition involves deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and nutrients, which can manifest as undernutrition or obesity.
  2. Which of the following is NOT a factor that perpetuates malnutrition in women?
    A. Economic conditions
    B. Early marriage
    C. Access to nutritious food
    D. Gender norms
    Correct Answer: C. Access to nutritious food
    Explanation: While economic conditions, early marriage, and gender norms contribute to malnutrition, access to nutritious food is a goal rather than a perpetuating factor. The lack of access is what causes malnutrition.
  3. What initiative was launched in 2018 to improve the nutritional status of women and children in India?
    A. National Health Mission
    B. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
    C. POSHAN Abhiyaan
    D. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
    Correct Answer: C. POSHAN Abhiyaan
    Explanation: POSHAN Abhiyaan was specifically launched in 2018 to enhance the nutritional status of adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through a coordinated approach.
  4. What is one significant impact of malnutrition mentioned in the essay?
    A. Increased economic growth
    B. Improved educational outcomes
    C. Poor productivity and health in future generations
    D. Enhanced agricultural practices
    Correct Answer: C. Poor productivity and health in future generations
    Explanation: Malnutrition affects productivity and can lead to intergenerational inequity, meaning that inadequate nutrition in women can have lasting negative effects on their children’s health and development.

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