Women and the Food Crisis

I recently read an article in the Washington Post about how women have been faring in the midst of the continuing food crisis. Women all over the world have an interesting and ironic relationship with food but no more ironic than women in poverty. In this case women plant and harvest in their gardens, shop in the markets, cook, and pass meals to their husbands and children. When – actually I should say IF the women eat, they eat only the cold scraps that have been left over after everyone else has finished their meals.

Some of these women have organized together and established a community credit program in order to plant more efficient gardens. See Outreach International’s website for specific stories and results.

But what can we do here at home? I recently came across an organization called Dining for Women. In the US, women get together, make a simple meal, learn about some of the issues women face all over the world and then donate the money they would spend going out to eat to an organization that makes a difference for other women. Consider doing something similar and donate your collection to Outreach International.

- Karyn Wingard-Manuel

Comments

[Lorna S. Labayen]

On Women and the Food Crisis:
Yes in South Asia where women do not even eat with the family at the table, they have the 3 "L" - Women Eat LAST, LEAST and LEFT OVER!