The UN recognizes that women are in a unique position to reduce malnutrition, one of the largest threats to public health in the world. They are responsible for growing, purchasing, processing and preparing most of the food which is consumed and are key in providing quality high impact nutrition prevention and treatment interventions, improved nutrition knowledge and skills for enhanced behaviour and practices at household, community and national level (FAO Gender and Nutrition). Vulnerable women are at greater risk of malnutrition than men and more girls die of malnutrition than boys. For initiatives aimed at improving nutrition to be successful, they must consider the gender inequalities that stand in the way of good nutrition. The UN is supporting efforts to ensure women are equal decision makers in terms of nutrition policy development, implementation, coordination and monitoring.
