Malnutrition is a complex phenomenon as it is both a cause and a consequence of broader socio-economic and health challenges, creating a self-perpetuating cycle. As a cause, malnutrition directly affects physical and cognitive development, leading to weakened immune systems, impaired learning abilities and reduced economic potential. This contributes to poorer academic performance, decreased workforce productivity and increased healthcare costs, according to a special report by Dr Rehama Iqbal Gilani, a PhD scholar in population and public health stream at Aga Khan University (AKU) and Dr Rozina Nuruddin, an associate professor in the Department of Community Health Science at AKU. Empowering women is essential in tackling malnutrition because mothers play a central role in the health and nutrition of their children. This is particularly crucial during the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a child’s second birthday, a critical period for growth and cognitive development. Malnutrition during this window can lead to irreversible damage, including stunted growth, impaired cognitive function and increased vulnerability to infections, they argue.