Increase women's protein intake to accelerate their empowerment

Dhaka, Mar - Experts are advocating for the enhancement of protein intake as a key factor in accelerating women’s empowerment in Bangladesh.

Despite significant progress in women’s rights and contributions to the nation’s economy, experts argue that nutritional support, particularly protein, plays a crucial role in advancing gender equality.

According to a recent press release from the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) and the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), increasing access to essential nutrients can have far-reaching effects on the health and economic potential of women across the country.

Bangladesh has witnessed remarkable strides in empowering women, largely due to government initiatives, the relentless efforts of NGOs, and the resilience of women themselves. However, many challenges still remain, particularly the gendered division of unpaid labor, lack of control over economic resources, and pervasive societal and legal inequalities that limit women’s autonomy.

In line with the ongoing efforts to address these issues, experts emphasise the critical role of nutrition in women's empowerment. Nutritionist Israt Jahan stressed the importance of adequate protein intake for women's health, particularly as many women in Bangladesh do not meet the necessary dietary diversity.

Jahan pointed out that more than half of women of reproductive age in the country do not consume the minimum amount of nutrients essential for good health, leading to multiple micronutrient deficiencies. These nutritional gaps can adversely affect women's health and, in turn, the well-being of their children.

Shamsul Arefin Khaled, president of BPICC, highlighted the significance of acknowledging women’s contributions in various sectors, including the poultry industry, where women make up 40% of the workforce.

He noted that such recognition boosts women's confidence and encourages them to strive for excellence.

The BPICC and USSEC also called for greater awareness about the nutritional benefits of plant-based proteins and a better understanding of the dietary needs of pregnant and lactating women. Khabibur Rahman of USSEC pointed out that many people still do not understand that women in these life stages require higher amounts of protein, which can contribute to improved health outcomes.

Despite progress, women in Bangladesh continue to carry a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, such as childcare and household chores, which remain undervalued and often go unnoticed. In sectors like the ready-made garment (RMG) industry, women contribute significantly to the economy but face unsafe working conditions and low wages. Furthermore, women in agriculture frequently lack land ownership, which severely limits their financial independence.

Patriarchal social norms and discriminatory laws continue to undermine women’s full participation in economic and social spheres. Gender-based violence, child marriage, and unequal inheritance rights remain widespread. The BPICC has called for significant legal reforms and stronger enforcement of existing laws to protect women's rights and foster true gender equality.

As Bangladesh continues to push for gender equality, experts urge the public and government to recognize the intertwined relationship between nutrition, empowerment, and the broader goals of societal progress.

They stressed that by addressing these challenges, Bangladesh can create a future where women have equal rights, access to resources, and opportunities to thrive.