What is a primary underlying cause of the high rates of child malnutrition in regions with significant gender inequality?

A primary underlying cause of high rates of child malnutrition in areas with significant gender inequality is the lack of access women have to resources and decision-making. When women are not empowered, they often struggle to secure food for their families or to make choices about nutrition. For example, in many cultures, women may not have the authority to decide how to spend family income, which can lead to inadequate food for children. Additionally, if women do not receive education, they may not learn about proper nutrition and health care, further impacting their children’s growth. Therefore, improving gender equality can help ensure that families have better access to food and nutrition.