Completar frases Gender biasVersión en línea Gender bias and poverty por Ana Valeria Calderón Elizondo 1 between men and women results poorer health for children and greater for the family , according to a new study . The UN agency Unicef found that in places where women are from family decisions , children are more likely to suffer from . There would be 13 million malnourished children in South Asia if women had an equal say in the family , Unicef said . Unicef family decision - making in 30 countries around the world . Their chief finding is that equality between men and women is vital to poverty and improving health , especially that of children , in developing countries . The conclusions are contained in the agency's latest report . This report points to a greater of opportunities for girls and women in education and work which contributes to disempowerment and poverty . Where men control the household , less money is spent health care and food the family , which results in poorer health for the children . increase in and income - earning opportunities for women would increase their household power , the report said . For example , the agency found that has the greater share of household income and assets decides whether those resources will be used for family needs .