Gendered Pathways: A Comparative Review of Women’s Contributions to Household Food Security in Rural and Urban Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This systematic review explores the different ways women support household food security in rural and urban Punjab, Pakistan, and how these roles are shaped by social, economic, and environmental factors. A structured search of academic databases and grey literature published between 2005 and 2023 was conduct . Studies were screened for relevance to women’s involvement in food production, household food management, income generation, and nutrition-related decision-making. The final selection of literature reveals clear contrasts between rural and urban contexts. In rural Punjab, women contribute primarily through agricultural labor, livestock rearing, home-based food processing, and participation in informal markets, while often facing constraints such as limited ownership of land, restricted mobility, and reduced access to agricultural services. Urban women contribute by managing household budgets, engaging in formal or informal employment, making food-purchasing decisions, and applying nutrition knowledge to improve family diets. Across both settings, women’s contributions are influenced by gender norms, education levels, access to resources, and intra-household power structures. The review highlights that although women play a central role in ensuring food availability, stability, and nutritional quality, their contributions remain undervalued. Strengthening women’s agency, improving resource access, and integrating gender-responsive approaches into food security programs are essential for sustainable outcomes in both rural and urban Punjab. This comparative perspective aims to inform policymakers and practitioners seeking inclusive, sustainable food systems in Punjab.