Nakuru county government has embarked on training residents on the importance of enhanced nutrition and the significance of gender inclusivity on making decisions concerning food at the household level.
Participants acquired knowledge of how gender, power, and cultural norms impact food security and nutrition in the county.
Also, key issues affecting food and nutrition at the household level were discussed, including decision-making on planting, land cultivation, food choices, selling produce, savings, and assets.
The Chief Officer for Gender Ms. Gladys Kamuren appealed to the Trainer of Trainees to ensure all-encompassing discussions on good nutrition by involving both men and women so as to achieve sustainable outcomes.
The officer noted that in many societies, gender roles dictated who prepared meals, who has access to certain foods, and who makes decisions about food choices. The gender- inclusive approaches guarantee that all individuals, regardless of gender, are equitably involved in decision-making processes related to food.
Apart from that, she said women and men often have different nutritional needs due to biological differences and varying roles within the household.
For instance, pregnant and lactating women require additional nutrients, while men may need higher calorie intake due to the laborious works they perform, such as building houses.
Additionally, she said cultural norms and values influenced food habits and preferences, and inclusivity respects diverse cultural practices and challenges harmful stereotypes that restrict individuals’ access to certain foods. In the past, a number of Bantu communities made it a taboo for women to eat eggs.
The training emphasized that promoting gender inclusivity in nutrition and household food practices aligns with principles of social justice by striving for fairness and equality, regardless of gender identity.
The training is being conducted by Nakuru County in Collaboration with CARE Kenya under the Catalyzing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE) Project, which is being implemented in Kuresoi, Molo and Nakuru West sub counties.
By Veronica Bosibori
