Food Security and Women Empowerment

No one can ignore the pivotal role of women for the attainment of food security, health and nutrition of their children, families and the whole community. To achieve the inclusive growth in general and one of the major targets of international agenda as ‘Food Security and Hunger Eradication’ in particular, gender inequality seems to be a major barrier. Food security has three components as availability, accessibility and absorption of food. Availability and accessibility of food does not always ensure requisite absorption or nutrition. The objective of this research paper is to discuss the need of women empowerment for the adequate absorption of the available food. Further, it analyses the food and nutrition security issue with socio-economic position of the women in India. Lastly, it examines some major government initiated social protection programs and it’s effectiveness to uplift the position of women for maintaining food security in India.