Global Hunger Crisis: Why 1 Billion Girls and Women Face Worsening Malnutrition by 2030

The number of girls and women facing hunger and malnutrition is rising sharply. By 2030, their numbers could nearly double if current trends hold. A new report highlights worsening conditions in food security and nutrition across dozens of countries since 2015. Over 1 billion girls and women live in 38 nations where food and nutrition conditions have declined. More than half of the countries studied show a worsening situation since 2015, with many scoring poorly on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2. Even in wealthier nations, the problem persists—the US ranked 34th globally for women and girls' hunger and nutrition in 2020, trailing countries with smaller economies.

The pandemic made matters worse. Lockdowns led to a surge in gender-based violence, while women, often working as essential staff, faced higher stress and exhaustion. At home, they frequently eat last and least, despite being the primary food producers and caregivers. Yet better nutrition brings clear benefits. Well-nourished girls stay in school longer, reducing risks of early marriage and pregnancy. Scaling solutions like multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) for pregnant women could add 2.3 million years of learning for the next generation. Businesses with gender-diverse leadership also perform better—those in the top quartile for board diversity are 25% more likely to exceed profit expectations than those in the bottom.

The report underscores a growing crisis in food security for girls and women worldwide. Without intervention, malnutrition rates will keep climbing, affecting education, health, and economic stability. Solutions like improved nutrition and workplace diversity could help reverse the trend—but action is needed now.