Global nutrition crisis deepens for over 1 billion girls and women

The state of food and nutrition for girls and women has worsened in over half of the countries studied since 2015. A recent report highlights growing inequality, with more than 1 billion living in nations where conditions are declining or already poor. In many households, girls and women eat last and least, despite often being responsible for growing and preparing food. The COVID-19 pandemic deepened these disparities, as women faced higher job losses and rising gender-based violence.

Well-nourished girls tend to perform better in school and are more likely to stay in education. This reduces their chances of early marriage and childbirth. Children born to well-nourished mothers also have a greater likelihood of living healthy, fulfilling lives.

Solutions like multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) could add 2.3 million years of learning to the next generation. Yet progress remains uneven. By 2020, the US ranked 34th globally for women and girls' hunger and nutrition, trailing nations with much smaller economies such as Czechia, Slovenia, and Lithuania.

If trends persist, the number of girls and women affected by hunger and malnutrition may nearly double by 2030. The economic case for gender equality is also clear: companies with greater gender diversity on boards are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profits. Over 1 billion girls and women already live in countries with worsening food and nutrition conditions. Without intervention, the crisis could deepen significantly by the end of the decade. Scaling effective solutions could improve education, health, and economic outcomes for future generations.