Introduction: connections between food insecurity and GBV
Globally, food insecurity affects women disproportionately, and it manifests through a range of gendered impacts, including gender-based violence (GBV). Putting it in perspective, in 2019 the prevalence of moderate to severe food insecurity was 6% higher in women than men in 2019, increasing to 10% higher in women than men in 2020. In accordance with FAO’s definition, “a person is food insecure when they lack regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life. This may be due to unavailability of food and/or lack of resources to obtain food. Food insecurity can be experienced at different levels of severity”.
Food insecurity increases the risk of GBV, with specific links to intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV not only accelerates food insecurity but also exacerbates its risk. Furthermore, a lack of gender equality, particularly in rural households, limits coping mechanisms and increases vulnerability to food insecurity and GBV. As a result, women and girls are often forced into harmful coping strategies, such as transactional sex, heightening their risk of sexual exploitation and abuse. In summary, food insecurity disproportionately affects women, heightens the risk of GBV, and is influenced by gender inequality, which can lead to further negative consequences for vulnerable populations.