Background: The prevalence of malnutrition in terms of stunting, wasting and micronutrient
deficiencies is high in rural Northern Ghana. It is questioned how the different domains of maternal
empowerment and maternal health status relate to the nutrient adequacy of the diet and nutritional
status of children in rural Northern Ghana. Methods: pre-existing data of the GAIN-study on child
and maternal anthropometry and maternal socio-economic characteristics was elaborated with
fieldwork in Karaga district in Northern Ghana. Within 51 households, mothers of children 6-23
months old were interviewed determining their level of empowerment regarding decision-making
power in terms of household decisions, child care and finances, mobility, attitude towards and
freedom from domestic violence. Also interviews were held with key persons in the area. Results:
Different aspects of the position of women seem to relate differently to child nutrition. Whereas
some domains do not affect children nutritional outcomes, others seem to benefit or harm
children’s diet. Findings revealed that 1) stunted children are more likely to have mothers who do
not experience domestic violence, do not experience physical mobility constraints and with a higher
age 2) wasted children are more likely to have mothers with an impaired health status and 3)
educated mothers and mothers who do not experience domestic violence have a higher chance of
having a child whose diet is nutrient inadequate. Conclusion: Policies and interventions need to
consider the different impacts of domains of mother’s position on children’s nutritional outcomes
and hence be sensitive to the context and culture.