On the decomposition of rank-dependent indicator of socio-economic inequalities in child malnutrition: Some empirical findings

Does maternal empowerment improve dietary diversity of children? Evidence from Pakistan demographic and health survey 2017–18

“…According to the extended UNICEF framework, 12 childcare is an important factor among the underlying factors which affects child nutrient adequacy through diet diversity. Maternal factors including their own health, maternal empowerment (ME) and social support, are considered as the most important components of childcare practices 13–15 . Since the Beijing conference on women in 1995, women empowerment has become policy goal in developing countries and large literature is available while linking it with a number of other goals.…”

“…It has been reinforced by the findings that ME confers benefits on child health 18–21 Hence, it is believed that ME plays positive role to improve child health 17,22 . Less empowered mothers are assumed to have little control over resources and limited access to health information as well as health services for better growth of their children 13 . However, some other studies provide evidences about adverse impacts of ME on children health outcomes.…”

“…De Silva and Harpham 23 showed a negative association between maternal social capital and child nutritional status in 6‐ to 18‐month old children. Maternal empowerment may adversely affect CDD due to some reasons 13,24 . Firstly, higher spending of empowered mothers on child goods may cause a reduction in expenditure on other important public goods (that may also benefit children).…”

“…Maternal factors including their own health, maternal empowerment (ME) and social support, are considered as the most important components of childcare practices. [13][14][15] Since the Beijing conference on women in 1995, women empowerment has become policy goal in developing • Acceptance of productive and allocative efficiency points of health economics due to significant positive association of maternal higher education level and child dietary diversity (CDD).…”

“…17,22 Less empowered mothers are assumed to have little control over resources and limited access to health information as well as health services for better growth of their children. 13 However, some other studies provide evidences about adverse impacts of ME on children health outcomes. De Silva and Harpham 23 showed a negative association between maternal social capital and child nutritional status in 6-to 18-month old children.…”