Multidimensional Energy Poverty Moderates the Relationship Between Women's Empowerment and Food and Nutrition Security in Peri‐Urban Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Women's empowerment significantly influences food and nutrition security (FNS), a key indicator of household well‐being and progress toward Sustainable Development Goals 2 (zero hunger) and 5 (gender equality). However, the moderating role of multidimensional energy poverty (MEP) in this relationship remains underexplored. Our study addresses this gap using cross‐sectional data from 393 migrant households in peri‐urban Bangladesh. The data were analyzed using Probit, Poisson, Bayesian inference, and first‐order partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results show that 87% of households were food insecure, 78% experienced MEP, 71% of women were disempowered, and 63% of households exhibited high dietary diversity. Although women's empowerment positively influenced FNS, MEP significantly intensified food insecurity and limited dietary diversity, even among households with empowered women. These findings highlight the complex interplay of social, economic, and institutional systems shaping household economies, particularly within urban food systems. Our study underscores the need for integrated policies that address systemic inequities to fully leverage the gender–energy–food nexus in achieving sustainable development.