Women Workers & Anemia

Why are female factory workers at risk of Anemia?

Anemia is caused by iron deficiency, Vitamin C deficiency, and general malnutrition. It can occur at all stages of life but is most prevalent among pregnant women and children. Anemia can be prevented with a focus on iron-rich foods and with regular intake of Vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of iron.

Women workers are affected because they often skip meals in the morning or evening, and do not consume an adequately iron-rich diet. Other contributing factors are myths surrounding menstruation, when a woman is particularly in need of iron. Such myths often dictate the types of food a woman should consume, and often restrict her iron intake even more than usual. Finally, the practice of drinking tea after meals, especially prevalent in Asia, weakens the body's ability to absorb nutrients, including iron and Vitamin C and can contribute to the persistence of anemia. The high prevalence of hookworm infection is another complicating factor in the prevention and treatment of anemia.

What is HERproject doing to address this risk?

HERproject teaches women about basic nutrition, including how to make nutritious meals on a limited budget. HERproject also addresses myths surrounding menstruation and helps women understand the negative health consequences of cultural restrictions on eating. Finally, curriculum emphasizes the importance of avoiding tea around meal time and waiting a period of time before drinking tea to allow the body time to absorb nutrients. The importance of de-worming, particularly relevant in South Asia, is discussed in detail in specific training modules.