There has been important progress for the rights of adolescent girls and women in recent decades, yet millions still struggle to access the nutritious diets, essential nutrition services and nutrition and care practices they need to prevent malnutrition. Undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and anaemia amplify gender inequalities by lowering learning potential, wages and life opportunities for adolescent girls and women, weakening their immunity to infections, and increasing their risk of lifethreatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth.