Gender-Responsive Pathways to Zero Hunger: Integrating Food Self-Sufficiency and Universal Free Nutritious Meals to Advance Nutrition, Equity, and Human Capital
This study examines how integrating Food Self-Sufficiency (FSS) and Universal Free Nutrition Meals (UFNM), within a gender responsive policy framework, can strengthen food and nutrition security, reduce structural inequities, and support sustainable human capital development.
A literature review was conducted, synthesising evidence from food systems, public health, social protection, and gender studies. A gender responsive analytical lens was applied to examine how FSS and UFNM policies shape differential access to food, nutrition, and care responsibilities, particularly among woman, caregivers, and vulnerable populations.
FSS strengthens food system resilience but may insufficiently address gender-based nutrition disparities if implemented narrowly. UFNM programmes improve child nutrition, school participation, and cognitive development whole reducing caregiving and economic burdens on women.
This study proposes a novel gender-responsive framework linking food policy, nutrition equity, and human capital as integrated foundations for inclusive and sustainable development goals.
Amin, M., Darlan, D. M., Samosir, F. A. H. H and Sato, M. O. (2026): Gender-Responsive Pathways to Zero Hunger: Integrating Food Self-Sufficiency and Universal Free Nutritious Meals to Advance Nutrition, Equity, and Human Capital. In Ahmed, A. (Ed.): World Sustainable Development Outlook 2026, Vol. 22, pp. XX-XX. WASD: London, United Kingdom.