“Mizoram Champions Men-Streaming in Child Nutrition”

RR Team

2 months ago

In Mizoram, the Bilkhawthlir and Thingsulthliah ICDS Projects have taken a pioneering step under Poshan Maah 2025 by integrating the theme of Men-streaming in Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) activities. These initiatives aim to actively involve fathers and male caregivers in child nutrition, fostering shared parenting responsibilities and improving overall nutrition outcomes.

Traditionally, child care and nutrition responsibilities have largely been assumed by women. By including men in IYCF programs, the ICDS projects are challenging these conventional gender roles, promoting inclusive family engagement and community participation.

The projects emphasize practical involvement of men in activities such as meal preparation, feeding, and counselling sessions, ensuring that nutrition and health messages reach all family members. This collaborative approach strengthens the effectiveness of child nutrition programs and enhances awareness on proper feeding practices.

Community engagement events and workshops conducted as part of these ICDS initiatives provide men with the knowledge and skills needed to support child health. They also encourage discussions on nutrition, hygiene, and developmental milestones, creating a supportive environment for mothers and caregivers.

The active participation of men is expected to contribute to improved nutritional outcomes for infants and young children, while fostering a culture of shared responsibilities in families across Mizoram. By integrating men into child care programs, these ICDS projects are setting a model for other regions to promote gender-inclusive health strategies.

Such efforts align with national objectives under Poshan Maah and broader nutrition initiatives by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, reflecting India’s commitment to holistic family engagement in child health.