Integrating gender equality and inclusion into social protection systems

This technical guide is designed for individuals involved in the design and implementation of social protection systems. It emphasises the importance of integrating gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) into social protection policies and programmes to address gender inequalities and intersecting forms of discrimination. Developed under the STAAR initiative (Social Protection Technical Assistance, Advice, and Resources), the guide aims to provide practical advice to enhance the effectiveness of gender-responsive social protection investments.

The guide covers several key areas:

1. Definitions and Concepts: It defines gender-responsive and inclusive social protection, highlighting the need to overcome gendered and intersecting inequalities, such as those based on social, economic, or spatial factors.
2. Importance of GESI Integration: It explains why it is crucial to integrate gender equality and inclusion into social protection systems, discussing the heightened risks that women and girls face throughout their lives and how inadequate social protection can exacerbate these risks.
3. Operational Considerations: Practical considerations are provided for operationalising GESI integration into social protection systems. This includes extending coverage, improving the adequacy of benefits, and coordinating with other complementary services to meet the specific needs of women and marginalised groups.
4. Strategies for Technical Assistance: Recommendations are offered on how to integrate a GESI approach in technical assistance assignments, identifying specific risks and adapting programme design to ensure that social protection initiatives do not worsen inequalities but instead improve outcomes for women and girls.
5. Additional Resources: The guide concludes with further resources for those wishing to deepen their understanding of gender-responsive social protection.