Two billion women and girls worldwide still lack access to any form of social protection, leaving them disproportionately vulnerable to poverty. Social protection systems are failing to reach enough women and girls. This issue spans various areas from cash benefits to healthcare and pensions. The problem is particularly dire in developing regions, according to a startling report from UN Women. This has widened the gender gap in coverage, threatening progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
GENDER DISPARITIES IN SOCIAL PROTECTION WORSEN IN DEVELOPING REGIONS
Despite some progress since 2015, gender disparities in social protection have actually increased in many developing regions. The benefits of recent policies have disproportionately favored men, putting women and girls at even greater risk of poverty, says the report.
WOMEN BEAR THE HEAVIEST BURDEN OF POVERTY AT EVERY LIFE STAGE
The report paints a grim picture of gendered poverty, revealing that women and girls are overrepresented among the poor at every stage of life. The largest gender disparities occur during childbearing years. Women aged 25 to 34 are 25% more likely than men of the same age to live in extreme poverty.
Women in fragile environments face an even harsher reality. They are 7.7 times more likely to live in extreme poverty than in stable regions. Conflict and climate change exacerbate existing inequalities.
HIGH INFLATION HITS WOMEN HARDEST, BUT RELIEF MEASURES NEGLECT THEM
The soaring inflation rates since 2022, which have driven up food and energy prices, have disproportionately affected women. Only 18% of nearly 1,000 social protection measures targeted women’s economic security. These measures were adopted by governments in response to these economic shocks. This oversight highlights how gender-specific risks and vulnerabilities are often neglected in times of crisis.
MATERNITY PROTECTION STILL LACKING FOR MILLIONS OF WOMEN
Maternity protection remains dismally inadequate across the globe. Over 63% of women worldwide give birth without access to maternity benefits. In sub-Saharan Africa, this number rises to an alarming 94%. The lack of financial support during maternity leave places women at an economic disadvantage. It compromises their health and well-being. This situation affects their children’s future and perpetuates poverty across generations.
GENDERED NATURE OF POVERTY
The report underscores that women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty at every stage of life. Women in their childbearing years face the largest gaps. They are significantly more likely to live in extremely poor households compared to men. In conflict-affected areas, this inequality is even more pronounced.
URGENT CALL FOR GENDER-CENTERED SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICIES
Sarah Hendriks, Director of the Policy, Programme, and Intergovernmental Division at UN Women, emphasized the transformative potential of social protection for gender equality. “To harness this, we need to center the dignity, agency, and empowerment of women and girls at every stage of the process. This spans from policy and programme design to delivery and financing,” she said at a joint event with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
The report calls for stronger, gender-sensitive social protection systems. These systems should address the unique risks faced by women and girls. This is especially important in the aftermath of economic shocks like inflation and global crises.
THE PATH FORWARD: PRIORITIZING WOMEN’S ECONOMIC SECURITY
The report urges governments to adopt more inclusive policies to close the gender gap in social protection. They should prioritize women’s economic security. This includes expanding access to maternity benefits and healthcare. It also involves improving pensions, particularly in developing countries. These are places where the social safety net is weakest.
By centering women and girls in social protection policy, the world can make significant strides toward achieving gender equality. This focus can break the cycle of poverty for future generations.
