The Integrated Framework for Gender Analysis of Nutrition Policy

Several tools exist for mainstreaming gender in policy. However, no tools exist for integrating gender in nutrition policy, with specific focus on policymaker biases and ideologies. An innovative analytical framework for gender analysis in nutrition policy was developed in order to fill this gap. Gender and nutrition are interlinked because gender inequalities have significant implications for nutrition and gender inequalities are exacerbated by malnutrition. While nutrition is a priority for many developing countries, progress toward reducing malnutrition could be accelerated if gender is adequately integrated in policy. For example, undernutrition in Malawi was reduced from 47% in 2010 (NSO and Macro, 2010) to 37% in 2015 (NSO and Macro, 2015). While this progress is significant, it is not sufficient to meet the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Growth and Agriculture Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods target of reducing undernutrition to 10% by 2025 (AUC, 2014). Closer attention to the integration of gender in nutrition policy could not only result in meeting such targets, it could also accelerate progress toward meeting gender targets