As we are celebrating the 2019 National Women’s Month with the theme: “We Make Change Work for Women” which highlights the empowerment of women as active contributors to development, we usually focus on gender equality and women empowerment.

It is a fact that both are equally contributor to and benefit from development and changes, there are other aspects that women are considerably at the top over the other particularly on child’s development.

Thus, the gender needs of women as stated in the Magna Carta for women should be continually strengthened.

Women are considered superheroes in all aspect of a child’s development. A woman’s knowledge in all aspects of life which includes, nutrition, health, personal development and basic principles in life has a great correlation to a child’s intellectual and physical potential to the society.

Before a child’s conception, a woman needs to prepare her physical, mental and emotional well-being to conceive a healthy baby. The healthy condition of a woman plays a vital role in developing a child. Unique nutritious dietary choices should be practiced for a woman to achieve a healthy condition.

During pregnancy, a balanced diet should be provided for her to get all the needed nutrients for her body and for the growing baby. Through balanced diet, proper nutrients will be achieved, and this will help to establish a strong foundation of a child’s nutritional status.

Also, a woman’s health condition influences a child’s future growth, health and development.

One of the most widely interventions for babies with regards to nutrition is exclusive breastfeeding. This has a long-term positive impact to infants as well as to women. Breastfeeding is an action which can be done only by a woman. Despite all the challenges that a woman experienced during breastfeeding, this intervention for infants should be encouraged as this is an action that greatly plays a big effect to a child’s growth and development.

Quality health care for women also helps to increase economic prosperity and community resilience. With the good support system from the family, society and the nation, women serve as prime movers in ensuring the promising future of our next generation. This makes them superheroes! HJAB