The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has urged for the empowerment of women and girls in Nigeria to enhance the country’s nutrition status.
During a media roundtable in Abuja, the executive secretary of CS-SUNN, Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo highlighted the persistent challenge of malnutrition in the country, particularly among women and children. He emphasised the extensive consequences of malnutrition on individuals, communities and the nation’s development.
Okoronkwo stressed the importance of empowering women and girls to take charge of their nutrition and that of their families, ultimately contributing to the nation’s well-being. He noted that inadequate earning power for women reduces productivity and impacts their nutritional status and that of their families.
He also mentioned the Women and Girls Nutrition project, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented by FHI Solutions and CS-SUNN in Nigeria. This project aims to advance an action agenda for prioritising and accelerating policy and financial commitments to improve the nutrition of women and girls.
Okoronkwo called on governments at all levels to implement policies that promote gender equality, women’s rights and optimal nutrition. He emphasised the need to expand access to public empowerment schemes, such as farming and business loans, scholarships, employment and livelihood support for women and girls.
CS-SUNN reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising civil society groups and other implementing partners to advocate for and implement activities promoting women’s and girls’ empowerment for optimal nutrition.
Collaboration with the media, public, private, and development sectors, along with other stakeholders, is essential to breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition and poverty in Nigeria, creating a healthier and more prosperous nation.
