Introduction

Social protection is a powerful policy tool to prevent and reduce poverty, inequality, social exclusion and insecurity emanating from risks and shocks, including those related to life cycle contingencies. While social protection schemes first and foremost provide cash or in-kind support for people facing life cycle contingencies, such as having children, getting sick, acquiring a disability, losing a job or growing older, social protection is also increasingly recognized as a tool to protect people from covariate shocks, such as natural disasters, economic crises and pandemics, and help ensure a just transition away from fossil fuels in the context of climate change mitigation. Lack of social protection exposes individuals to financial hardship and contributes to increasing within- and across-country inequalities.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities