Her Barriers
Momma Idah on the front stops of her home
Women and girls account for 70 percent of global hungry. In addition to unequal distribution of food at the household level, the disproportionate marginalization of women also stems from discrimination in the acquisition of productive resources, including land, water, credit, education and access to information. Although the number of female-headed rural households is continually increasing, women own less than 2 percent of all land. Despite major strides in promoting female equality, women still face barriers in securing inheritance and property rights.[1] This discrimination not only affects their own food security, but that of their families and society at large.
Despite the barriers they face, many of the women I met in Nnindye were determined to overcome them. Momma Idah (pictured left) is one of the most inspiring and hardworking women I know. She hosted a Notre Dame student at her home this summer, so we spent many an afternoon sitting on the veranda to her home and shop, sharing stories and meals for hours. As we did, however, she was always busy helping customers, preparing food, doing laundry or engaging in a slew of other daily activities, all of which prevented her from taking any time for rest or relaxation.
Despite the barriers they face, many of the women I met in Nnindye were determined to overcome them. Momma Idah (pictured left) is one of the most inspiring and hardworking women I know. She hosted a Notre Dame student at her home this summer, so we spent many an afternoon sitting on the veranda to her home and shop, sharing stories and meals for hours. As we did, however, she was always busy helping customers, preparing food, doing laundry or engaging in a slew of other daily activities, all of which prevented her from taking any time for rest or relaxation.
[1] Ziegler, Jean. Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Including the Right to Development. Rep. Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. Human Rights Council, United Nations General Assembly, 10 Jan. 2008. Web.