Many farmers and industry workers, particularly in low-paying jobs, do not have sufficiently nutritious diets. A good proportion of workers are women, which means they also have additional nutrient requirements – especially during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. For example, Bangladesh’s garment industry provides formal employment to more than three million women, many of whom suffer from anemia and other forms of malnutrition.
This is because their diets tend to be monotonous, consisting largely of staple foods which lack essential micronutrients for good health. Moreover, women may be subject to lower pay, and are often responsible for the health and diets of their households.
Workforce nutrition programmes offer an opportunity to help employees access more diverse and healthy diets.
Mala works in the quality control department in a garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Pinky has worked in the tea estates of Assam, India, for over thirty years. What do these women have in common? Both participate in GAIN’s Workforce Nutrition programme. In a 360-degree film, Mala and Pinky share their perspective on how this programme has helped them, and how it can help businesses.
Watch the 360-degree films of Mala (garment sector in Bangladesh) and Pinky (tea sector in India).
Feeling inspired? Pinky and Mala share the secrets of their kitchen by offering you their best recipes. Want to try out Pinky’s ‘Paanch phoron tarkari’ or the favourite recipe of Mala’s husband?
Please contact: Dr Bärbel Weiligmann, GAIN’s Senior Advisor Workplace Nutrition, or Dr Christina Nyhus Dhillon, GAIN’s Senior Technical Specialist, Knowledge Leadership.