Empowering Women Could Lift 150 Million People Out of Hunger By 2030, Says UN Official

Post Reporter

Bulawayo-Close to 150 million people worldwide could be lifted out of hunger by 2030 if investments are directed towards empowering women to pursue alternative livelihoods, according to a top UN official.

 The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niño Response, Reena Ghelani, emphasized that women and children are disproportionately affected during crises, particularly in drought situations.

She noted that they represent two-thirds of those in need of assistance.

“In any crisis, especially during droughts, women and children are heavily impacted. They typically make up two-thirds of those requiring aid,” Ghelani stated.

However, she pointed out that women are also central to the solution, as they are primarily responsible for food production and ensuring their families are fed.

“Despite their vulnerability, women are key to addressing hunger. In Africa, they are the ones who grow food and have the potential to uplift their families through empowerment,” she explained.

Ghelani highlighted that investing in women could potentially lift 100 to 150 million people out of hunger by 2030.

She also addressed the impact of food shortages on pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under five years old.

While the malnutrition rate has remained relatively stable in many regions, Ghelani expressed concern that it could deteriorate rapidly, particularly in urban areas where many vulnerable women and children reside.

“Currently, malnutrition rates are stable, but we are worried they will decline quickly, especially in urban settings,” she warned.

In response to the crisis, the UN is providing immediate nutritional support and food supplementation where possible.

“We are ensuring that we provide immediate nutritional assistance and supplement food supplies. Additionally, we are working with governments to educate communities on maintaining a better diet, even during stressful times,” she said.

Ghelani stressed that global development goals may remain unattainable if gender equality is not prioritized.

“We will not achieve our development goals if we fail to ensure equality for women everywhere,” she asserted.

At the current rate of investment, more than 340 million women and girls will still live in extreme poverty by 2030, according to UN Women

The United Nations estimates that approximately US$70 billion will be needed to feed over 28 million food-insecure individuals affected by El Niño-induced drought in the Southern Africa region.

In Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa has declared the 2023-2024 agricultural season a State of National Disaster due to the adverse effects of El Niño, which has led to food shortages in many areas, leaving numerous families in need of aid.

The UN in Zimbabwe has requested $434 million to complement the government’s plan of $2.2 billion.