By
Elvis Eromosele
Women
are the bedrock of society. They, very literally, feed, clothe and inspire the
world.
It
is not far-fetched to see how women are the sinew that holds families and the globe
together.
In
many homes, women make the most important buying decisions, particularly as it
relates to what to eat. Women ensure that the world is fed.
At
every point in time across the world, regardless of the time of day, a woman is
shopping for household supplies of food. Every day they struggle with the
choices, labour over the cost and agonize over portions. It is between what is
available and affordable, quantity and quality, ease of preparation (read
convenience) and value. It is a never-ending struggle.
The
Nigeria Protein Deficiency Report 2019 supports this assertion. The report of
the survey, which was designed to empirically determine the current status and
dimensions of protein deficiency in Nigeria, sheds light on food consumption patterns
among Nigerians. According to the report, “51 per cent of respondents do not
have adequate protein-rich foods due largely to high cost.” The report also
showed that the fundamental factors determining the necessity of meal items
consumed across the country are availability (79%) and affordability (68%).
It
also reveals something that most Nigerians would probably expect, that
carbohydrates are the most consumed food amongst Nigerians. Rice topped the
list with 91%, closely followed by ‘swallows’ (such as eba, amala, fufu,
pounded yam, etc.) at 83%. 58% of sampled institutional providers (dieticians
and nutritionists) insisted that the protein intake of Nigerians is generally
quite insufficient.
The
challenge is that when people do not get adequate amounts of protein from their
diet, it leads to protein deficiency. Protein deficiency is today a major cause
of malnutrition, especially among children.
In
Nigeria, several reports indicate that protein deficiency poses not only a
major health problem but also an economic and social burden. It is the most
important risk factor for illness and death, with millions of pregnant women
and young children particularly affected.
It
is time to go on the offensive in the fight against protein deficiency. It is
time to recruit the most important buying decision-maker in the home. To curb
the incidences of protein deficiency in Nigeria, women must become more
involved in the battle. They already do so much. They are heroes without capes.
But women can ensure that the country, nay the world, is fed right.
To
involve women to do more, they must be educated and empowered. Women
empowerment, undoubtedly, benefits the nation, it leads to an improvement in
the nutritional status of families, households and the nation at large. Yes,
women empowerment will reduce poverty, enrich and boost the nutritional status
and enhance national economic performance. Women empowerment is a win-win in
every way.
As
domestic implementers in the homes, the choices women make, many times,
determine the nutrition status of their families. That choice, however, is
premised on several factors, including literacy, income and available food
options. This is precisely why women education and empowerment are key and
doubly important.
The
best time to start is today.
Of
course, there are also cultural issues. With over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria,
it is not surprising that there are as many food cultures. There are places
where children can't eat eggs so as not to become spoilt. In others, women
cannot eat gizzards when there is a man present. There are several more just as
bad and many others that are worse.
Invariably,
it would require a massive culture shift to eliminate the various cultural
practices that lead to malnutrition and protein deficiency in Nigeria.
Massive
sensitization at the community level would be a great way to start. This should
take into cognizance existing knowledge, attitudes and practices within the
communities. It would mean being willing to confront the communities with the
realities, dangers and causes of malnutrition. It would involve awareness
campaigns focused on the benefits of protein nutrient-rich meals. The Nigeria
Protein Deficiency Awareness campaign, aka Protein Challenge, is already working in this
space. It seeks to create massive nationwide awareness of Nigeria’s protein
deficiency situation to help mitigate occurrences everywhere in the country,
with particular emphasis on soy as a cost-effective source of protein.
In
the fight against protein deficiency, women are the world's secret weapon.
Women will ensure that protein deficiency is vanquished in Nigeria, one family
at a time.
Women
will save the world.
Every
time is a good time to celebrate women. The month of March is particularly
important because of the commemoration of International Women's Day. This is a
day set aside specifically to celebrate women. This year especially more so as
women again continue to contribute immensely to efforts to save the
world.
The
UN Women announced that the theme for International Women's Day, 2021 (IWD
2021) is
“Women
in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” The theme celebrates the
tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal
future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women
make up at least half the world’s population. Their contribution cannot be
understated. Their celebration must be always on.
Happy International Women’s Day 2021!
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