Exploring food security and nutrition among young women in the formally regulated garment sector of Myanmar

Abstract

Malnutrition can adversely influence women's overall health and development and that of their children. In the Yangon region of Myanmar, young women aged 15–19 years can be excessively thin, overweight, or anemic. A significant proportion of these young women working within the formal sector are employed in the garment industry. This study used a mixed-method approach to generate robust evidence on food security and nutrition in young female garment workers. The research revealed that women have poor quality of nutrition, restricted their food intake, and ate less preferred food. The risk factors for not meeting the minimum dietary diversity were related to migration patterns, employment, food security level, and living conditions. This study offers recommendations and identifies areas for interventions that are either wanted by consulted stakeholders and/or for which there is an evidence basis for their recommendation: (1) promote food- and nutrition-specific programming, (2) increase healthy food access, and (3) improve employment conditions. These future interventions should generate comprehensive research, data, and benefits to fill in the evidence gaps identified and provide guidance on how to promote nutrition in the workplace for this vulnerable group of workers.