Social health protection is essential for ensuring that women can access quality healthcare services, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The organization said this in a new policy brief titled Social health protection for gender equality that focused on social health protection and gender equality.
Furthermore, these policies support income security for women during critical times such as sickness and maternity leave. The brief arrived in time for International Women’s Day under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women”.
Breaking Barriers in the Global Labour Market
Social security and health remain fundamental human rights, yet many women still face significant barriers to accessing these services. Inequalities in the labour market often prevent women from benefiting equally from these protections in their daily lives. For instance, women shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid care work and are more likely to hold informal jobs. These factors limit their effective access to social protection and often lead to poorer overall health outcomes.
Designing Policies with Gender at the Core
The ILO recommends that social protection policies must place gender equality at their core to deliver meaningful global results. This strategy involves formulating benefit packages that reflect the specific health needs of women throughout their entire lives. Moreover, governments should ensure that quality healthcare services are available close to where women and girls actually live. Strengthening financial protection through broad risk pooling can also reduce the hardships women face when seeking essential care.
A Lifecycle Approach to Women’s Health
Social protection policies should support women at every stage of life, including during maternity and their senior years. Many older women face greater risks of poverty and ill health due to lower lifetime earnings and pension gaps. Aligning social protection with income security and care policies provides robust protection and promotes dignity for all women. Ultimately, addressing these social determinants of health inequality will lead to better health outcomes for future generations.
Expert Q&A: Social Protection and Equality
Q: Why is social health protection specifically important for women?
A: It ensures effective access to quality healthcare while supporting their income security during sickness and maternity leave periods.
Q: How does the ILO suggest improving access for women?
A: The ILO calls for making gender a core consideration in the design and implementation of social protection schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the title of the new ILO brief?
The brief is titled Social health protection for gender equality and was released for International Women’s Day.
What barriers do women face in the labour market?
Women often have lower wages, work in informal sectors, and handle a disproportionate share of unpaid care work.
How do lifecycle needs impact older women?
Older women often experience unmet care needs and poverty risks because of lifetime earnings gaps and lower pensions.
What are the fundamental human rights mentioned?
Social security and health are fundamental human rights that should be guaranteed to both women and men equally.
What is this year’s International Women’s Day theme?
The theme is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” focusing on pivotal moments for reproductive services