Focus on Women


"People often ask: What can be done to defeat hunger? My answer is simple: empower women, because women are the secret weapon to fight hunger." -- WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran 

Women make up a little over half of the world's population but in many parts of the world, especially in Asia and South America, they are more likely to go hungry than men. This is because women often have unequal access to resources, education and income, and because they participate less in decision-making.

But women are not merely victims of hunger. They are also the most effective solution to combating and preventing hunger. In many countries, women make up the bulk of agricultural labourers and are the backbone of food production systems.

Women also play a key role in guaranteeing food security for the household. Experience shows that in the hands of women, food is far more likely to reach the mouths of needy children. Learn more

Focus on Women - Stories

South Sudan: Positive Impact of Nutrition Support Visible Among Refugee Children

A combined effort by health, water, sanitation and nutrition partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP), to reduce alarming malnutrition rates amongst Sudanese refugees who have settled in Maban County of South Sudan, is beginning to yield fruit.  Parents say they have seen dramatic improvements in their children’s health. 

On World Food Day, WFP Reassures Assistance To Vulnerable Afghans

Today, WFP celebrates World Food Day in Afghanistan along with its sister agency, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. This year the emphasis is on supporting agricultural cooperatives and farmers’ organizations.

Healthy And Delicious - Ready-To-Use Nutritious Food A Treat For Kids In Laos

WFP in Laos is expanding its successful Mother and Child Health and Nutrition Programme to a second province. Young children in the remote north of Laos simply love the food they receive through the programme: Plumpy’Doz is a specialised nutritious food that helps prevent malnutrition. In an area where 50 to 60 percent of children under the age of five are chronically malnourished, the peanut-based paste is key to keep children growing strong and healthy.
 

The Ultra Poor In Bangladesh: 140 Euros For A New Life

This article originally appeared in print in the German magazine, Maxi, for its July 2012 edition.  All text and photos are by David Weyand. What follows below is the full article, translated from German.