Women's Contribution to Improving Children’s Nutritional Status

Nutrition problems focus on malnutrition among children under five are still a problem in developing countries, including Indonesia. Recent basic health survey had shown that the number of undernutrition is increased, mainly stunting conditions among children which reached the prevalence more than 20% in several places, also in Sumatera Barat Province. Many factors are related to this problem, including the factor from women empowerment. Women as the primary caretaker of children in the household have still less contribution in terms of decision making of nutritional status of their children. However, women's nutritional status was directly and positively associated with children's nutritional status. There is a direct effect of women's empowerment on children's nutritional status by improving women's health. So, it's recommended to design a comprehensive intervention based on women empowerment to enhance children's nutritional status through involvement in decision-making in household activities, especially on produce and process of food. On the other side, they must care for and practice nutrition and healthy behavior in the family. Collaborate and corporate of an expert in nutrition and other relevant fields are needed in term to combat the malnutrition problems among children under five.