Ariful Islam: Despite decades of exposure to shows like UNICEF's Meena, which champion equal access to nutritious food for all children, a concerning reality persists in many Bangladeshi families: gender bias in food distribution. This is particularly evident in marginalized communities, where cultural norms often favor boys, leading to unequal access to nutritious food for girls and women. The European Union-funded SONGO project, implemented by Cordaid and RDRS Bangladesh, tackles this issue head-on using a powerful tool: the Gender Transformative Approach (GTA).

Unlike traditional methods that simply acknowledge the existence of gender differences, GTA delves deeper. It actively dismantles the social structures that perpetuate gender discrimination, particularly in how food is distributed within the household. The project recognizes that achieving better health and nutrition for all is inextricably linked to gender equality. By promoting equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making within families, GTA empowers everyone to receive the food they need to thrive.

SONGO employs a multi-stakeholder approach informed by GTA principles. This approach involves engaging men, women, community leaders, NGOs, local government institutions, and relevant national departments. Working together, they challenge existing attitudes towards nutrition and strive a society where:

Participatory Gender Analysis (PGA): It is an innovation approach that has been implemented by SONGO at community level to explore the existing gender situation. A total of 1000 plus ward level consultations have been conducted with the participation of producer group leaders (couple). Eventually, 162 ward level Gender Based Action Plan (GBAP) have been developed and implemented by the producer group leaders.  

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Champion Advocacy: Empowering CSOs to be vocal advocates for improved nutrition policies and programs ensures that the voices of those most affected by nutritional inequalities are heard. This advocacy strengthens the foundation for creating effective, long-term solutions.

Local Government Informs: Enabling local government institutions to effectively share reliable nutritional information with communities is crucial for raising awareness and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their diets. This knowledge empowers families to prioritize healthy eating habits and build a stronger foundation for their well-being.

Sustainable Nutrition Coordination: Establishing sustainable operational plans for nutrition coordination committees allows for a more coordinated and efficient approach to tackling nutrition challenges. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and outlining clear roles and responsibilities, these committees can maximize their impact in improving access to nutritious food for all.

Stronger NSA Business Networks: Supporting the development of robust Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture (NSA) business associations not only strengthens the local economy but also promotes the production and availability of nutritious foods. This ensures a reliable supply chain for essential dietary components, making it easier for families to access the food they need for optimal health.

Climate-Smart Agriculture for Food Security: Promoting climate-smart agriculture practices is essential for long-term food security. By equipping communities with techniques that are resilient to changing weather patterns, SONGO helps families secure a sustainable source of nutritious food, even in the face of environmental challenges.

The focus on social transformation extends beyond policy changes. The project recognizes that access to proper nutrition information is critical for hundreds of thousands of women & girls, impacting their well-being through their lives.

Consider Kusum, a young pregnant woman relying solely on family traditions for guidance. This approach often overlooks crucial aspects of healthy pregnancy diets, potentially compromising the health of both Kusum and her baby. Imagine if local authorities like the union parishad could provide Kusum with reliable nutritional information. This knowledge would empower her to make informed choices, leading to a healthier pregnancy and a stronger foundation for her child's development.

The importance of access to information extends beyond pregnancy. Mahi, a young adolescent facing her first period, has limited guidance beyond her mother's experience and basic school discussions. Neither source emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet during menstruation. This lack of awareness can lead to dietary habits that negatively affect her health throughout life. Imagine if Mahi and her mother could connect with local NGOs focused on nutrition. These organizations could equip them with the knowledge Mahi needs to ensure proper nutrition during her periods, setting the foundation for lifelong health.

Lucky, a mother of three who gave up her education due to marriage, struggles with poor harvests despite her efforts. Imagine if Lucky had access to information about NSA and climate-smart techniques like No Space Low Space gardening. These skills could help her optimize her land and cultivate a more diverse and nutritious food supply for her family. Moreover, the additional income generated could empower Lucky and improve her children's well-being.

Since 2018, SONGO has worked with over 100,000 households, supporting improved nutritional intake through various aspects of nutrition governance. The project has engaged policymakers, businesses, service providers, and practitioners to create a more gender-inclusive approach to nutrition services. Through its work, SONGO is helping families unlearn their conventional and gender-biased approach to food. The project empowers them to: access proper information on nutrition, enabling them to make informed choices about the food they consume; utilize available resources more effectively to plan better diets for themselves and their families, ensuring everyone receives the nutrients they need; increase their affordability of a healthier diet. By providing families with the knowledge and resources to grow their own nutritious food or make more informed choices when purchasing food.

The SONGO project's impact goes beyond immediate nutritional improvements. The final evaluation data shows that around 15% households are practicing the equitable food distribution among the household members compared to baseline 4.9%. By tackling gender bias and empowering communities with knowledge and resources, it paves the way for a healthier and more equitable future for all Bangladeshis. As girls like Kusum receive proper guidance during pregnancy, adolescents like Mahi learn about balanced diets during menstruation, and mothers like Lucky gain skills to cultivate nutritious food, the ripples of change extend outwards. This holistic approach not only improves physical well-being but also fosters a society where women are valued and empowered to make informed decisions about their health and the well-being of their families. The fight against unequal nutrition may be long, but with projects like SONGO leading the charge, Bangladesh is taking significant strides towards a future where everyone could thrive on a healthy and balanced diet.