"While the world pledges gender equality, 2 billion women remain unprotected, trapped in cycles of poverty and exclusion. Is it too late to close the gap?"

This structure ensures a balanced exploration of the problem while also emphasizing potential solutions and the high stakes of inaction​

In a world where the promise of social protection remains unfulfilled for millions, a stark reality looms large: approximately two billion women and girls globally lack access to any form of social safety nets. This alarming statistic, revealed in the latest UN Women report, underscores a widening gender gap in social protection systems—essential policies that encompass cash benefits, unemployment protection, pensions, and healthcare. Despite some progress since 2015, the gains have disproportionately favored men, leaving women and girls more vulnerable to poverty and hardship.

The report highlights that over 63% of women worldwide give birth without maternity benefits, a figure that skyrockets to 94% in sub-Saharan Africa. This absence of support not only places women at an economic disadvantage but also jeopardizes their health and the well-being of their children, perpetuating cycles of poverty across generations. As conflicts and climate change exacerbate these inequalities, the need for gender-responsive social protection becomes increasingly urgent. In this complex landscape, the potential for social protection to foster gender equality and empowerment is immense, yet it remains largely untapped. The call to action is clear: prioritizing the needs of women and girls in policy design and implementation is essential to transforming lives and communities worldwide.

Imagine a mother in sub-Saharan Africa, where 94% of women give birth without access to maternity benefits. The absence of financial support during such a critical time not only jeopardizes her well-being but also that of her newborn, perpetuating cycles of poverty that can last generations. Across the globe, more than 63% of women face similar challenges, highlighting a systemic failure to address their unique needs.

The report further reveals that women aged 25-34 are 25% more likely to live in extreme poverty compared to their male counterparts. In fragile contexts, this disparity deepens; women are 7.7 times more likely to experience extreme poverty than those in stable environments. As inflation rises and economic shocks hit, the burden on women intensifies, yet only 18% of new social protection measures introduced globally focus on their economic security.

These statistics are not just numbers; they are stories waiting to be told—stories of resilience amidst adversity, of mothers striving for their children's futures while grappling with systemic inequalities. The call for gender-responsive social protection is urgent and clear: to empower women and girls is to unlock a brighter future for all.

The stark gender disparities in social protection policies

The stark gender disparities in social protection policies present a pressing challenge in the global fight against poverty and inequality. A recent UN Women report reveals a staggering reality: two billion women and girls worldwide lack access to any form of social protection, including essential safety nets like cash benefits, unemployment insurance, pensions, and healthcare. This alarming statistic underscores a widening gender gap that leaves women and girls particularly vulnerable to economic instability and hardship.

Despite some progress since 2015, the report indicates that the gains in social protection coverage have disproportionately favored men. In many developing regions, the gender gap has widened, suggesting that women are being left behind as social safety nets expand. For instance, over 63% of women globally give birth without access to maternity benefits, a figure that escalates to an astonishing 94% in sub-Saharan Africa. This lack of support during maternity not only places women at an economic disadvantage but also jeopardizes their health and the well-being of their children, perpetuating cycles of poverty across generations.

The report highlights that women aged 25-34 are 25% more likely to live in extreme poverty compared to their male counterparts. The situation is even more dire in fragile contexts, where women are 7.7 times more likely to experience extreme poverty than those in stable environments. Factors such as conflict, climate change, and economic shocks exacerbate these inequalities, often leading to neglect of gender-specific risks and vulnerabilities during crises.

Furthermore, while nearly 1,000 social protection measures were introduced globally across 171 countries in recent years, only 18% specifically targeted women's economic security. This oversight reflects a systemic failure to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by women and girls.

The potential for social protection systems to foster gender equality is immense. By prioritizing the needs of women and girls in policy design and implementation, governments can create sustainable pathways out of poverty. Countries like Mongolia have begun extending maternity leave benefits to informal workers, while Mexico and Tunisia have made strides in including domestic workers in social security systems.

In conclusion, addressing these stark gender disparities in social protection is not just a matter of equity; it is essential for fostering resilience and transformation in society. The call to action is clear: we must center the dignity, agency, and empowerment of women and girls at every stage of the process—from policy formulation to delivery—if we are to build a more equitable world for all.

Women’s disproportionate exclusion from economic, social, and healthcare support.

Women’s disproportionate exclusion from economic, social, and healthcare support is a critical issue that exacerbates gender inequality globally. Despite some progress in recent years, significant barriers remain that prevent women from accessing essential resources and services, impacting their economic stability and overall well-being.

Economic Exclusion

A staggering 740 million women work in the informal economy, often without any access to social protection or benefits. This lack of coverage leaves them vulnerable to economic shocks and poverty. For instance, women are frequently concentrated in low-paid, precarious jobs that do not provide the same protections as formal employment. This situation is compounded by discriminatory lending practices and cultural biases that restrict women’s financial decision-making authority. As a result, approximately three-quarters of a billion women remain excluded from the formal financial system, limiting their ability to save, invest, or secure credit for entrepreneurial ventures1.

The gender gap in financial inclusion is stark. In developing economies, the gap in account ownership between men and women has remained unchanged at six percentage points since 2011. This stagnation indicates systemic barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the financial system. For example, many women face challenges in obtaining formal identification required to access banking services, which further limits their economic opportunities3.

Social Protection Gaps

The recent UN Women report reveals that two billion women and girls worldwide lack access to any form of social protection, including cash benefits, unemployment protection, pensions, and healthcare. While some progress has been made since 2015, the gains have disproportionately favored men. More than 63% of women globally give birth without access to maternity benefits, a figure that rises to 94% in sub-Saharan Africa. This lack of support not only places women at an economic disadvantage but also jeopardizes their health and the well-being of their children, perpetuating cycles of poverty across generations2.

Women aged 25-34 are 25% more likely to live in extreme poverty compared to their male counterparts. In fragile contexts affected by conflict or climate change, this disparity is even more pronounced; women are 7.7 times more likely to experience extreme poverty than those in stable environments2. Despite nearly 1,000 new social protection measures introduced globally across 171 countries recently, only 18% target women's economic security, highlighting a critical oversight in policy design2.

Healthcare Support

Access to healthcare is another area where women face significant exclusion. The lack of maternity protection and healthcare benefits can have dire consequences for maternal health and child development. Globally, only 41% of mothers with newborns receive maternity benefits, with regional coverage as low as 16% in Africa4. This gap not only affects women's health but also impacts their ability to participate fully in the workforce.

Poverty, child marriage, and unequal economic opportunities.

The impact of poverty, child marriage, and unequal economic opportunities on women is profound and multifaceted, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage that affect their health, education, and overall well-being.

Poverty

Globally, two billion women and girls lack access to any form of social protection, according to a UN Women report. This staggering figure highlights the gendered nature of poverty, where women are overrepresented among the poor at every stage of life. For instance, women aged 25-34 are 25% more likely to live in extremely poor households compared to men in the same age group. The situation is even more dire in fragile contexts; women are 7.7 times more likely to experience extreme poverty than those in stable environments.

The economic landscape for women is further complicated by systemic barriers such as discrimination in the workplace and limited access to financial resources. Currently, over 60% of women work in the informal economy, often in low-paid and unstable jobs that lack social security benefits. This economic exclusion is particularly acute in developing regions where cultural norms and legal barriers restrict women's participation in the labor force.

Child Marriage

Child marriage exacerbates these challenges, trapping young girls in cycles of poverty and limiting their opportunities for education and economic independence. According to UNICEF, approximately 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each year. This practice not only curtails their educational prospects but also increases their vulnerability to domestic violence and health risks associated with early pregnancies.

Girls who marry early are often forced to leave school, which significantly reduces their chances of gaining employment later in life. The consequences are dire: women who marry as children are less likely to participate in the labor force and more likely to live in poverty as adults. The World Bank estimates that if child marriage were eliminated, it could contribute an additional $4 billion annually to global economies.

Unequal Economic Opportunities

Despite advancements in gender equality, significant gaps remain in economic opportunities for women. Currently, only 61% of prime working-age women participate in the labor force compared to 90.6% of men. Moreover, nearly 60% of women worldwide work in informal sectors where job security is minimal, and social protections are virtually nonexistent.

The lack of access to maternity benefits is particularly alarming: over 63% of women globally give birth without any maternity protection, a figure that rises dramatically to 94% in sub-Saharan Africa. This absence of support during critical life stages not only places women at an economic disadvantage but also jeopardizes their health and the well-being of their children.

Cost of gender inequality (USD 10 trillion annually in lost education potential)

The cost of gender inequality is staggering, with recent estimates suggesting that the global economy loses approximately $10 trillion annually due to inadequate education and support for women and girls. This figure highlights the profound economic implications of failing to invest in gender equality, particularly in education, where the potential benefits are immense.

Education and Economic Impact

The UN Women Gender Snapshot 2024 report emphasizes that the lack of adequate educational opportunities for young women results in a significant economic loss. If governments do not prioritize investments in women's education, low- and middle-income countries alone risk losing $500 billion over the next five years. The report stresses that educating girls not only empowers them but also contributes to broader economic growth, as educated women are more likely to participate in the workforce and contribute to their communities.

Broader Economic Costs

Beyond education, gender inequality manifests in various forms, including unequal economic opportunities and social protections. Women make up a substantial portion of the informal workforce—over 60% globally—where they often face lower wages and fewer benefits. The gender wage gap remains a critical issue, with women earning approximately 20% less than men for similar work. This disparity limits women's economic contributions and reduces household incomes.

Furthermore, the World Bank estimates that if gender inequality in earnings were addressed, it could lead to an increase in global wealth by about $160 trillion. This figure underscores the vast unrealized potential of women’s contributions to economies worldwide.

Child Marriage and Its Economic Toll

Child marriage is another significant factor contributing to gender inequality and economic loss. Approximately 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each year, which severely limits their educational opportunities and economic prospects. The World Bank suggests that eliminating child marriage could significantly enhance women's earning potential and overall economic stability in their communities.

The cumulative cost of gender inequality—estimated at $10 trillion annually due to lost educational potential—is not just a statistic; it represents a critical barrier to global economic growth and development. Addressing these disparities through targeted investments in education, healthcare, and social protections for women is essential for unlocking their full potential and fostering sustainable economic progress worldwide. As societies strive for equality, it becomes clear that empowering women is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.

What social protection covers

Social protection is a comprehensive framework designed to support individuals and families in managing risks and vulnerabilities throughout their lives. It encompasses a variety of policies and programs aimed at reducing poverty, promoting social inclusion, and enhancing well-being. Here are the key components that social protection typically covers:

Key Components of Social Protection

Healthcare:

Access to essential healthcare services is a fundamental aspect of social protection. This includes medical care, preventive services, and health insurance schemes that help individuals manage health-related expenses.

Child and Family Benefits:

These benefits provide financial support to families with children, helping to alleviate the costs associated with raising children. Programs may include child allowances, parental leave benefits, and subsidies for childcare.

Maternity Protection:

Maternity benefits are crucial for supporting women during pregnancy and after childbirth. This includes paid maternity leave, healthcare services related to childbirth, and job protection for new mothers.

Unemployment Support:

Unemployment benefits provide financial assistance to individuals who lose their jobs involuntarily. These programs help maintain household income during periods of job searching and reduce the risk of poverty.

Employment Injury Benefits:

These benefits offer compensation and medical care for workers injured on the job. They ensure that workers receive support while recovering from work-related injuries or illnesses.

Sickness Benefits:

Sickness benefits provide income support to individuals unable to work due to illness or injury, ensuring they can maintain a basic standard of living during recovery.

Old-Age Benefits:

Pension schemes are vital for providing financial security to individuals in retirement. These benefits help ensure that older adults can maintain a decent standard of living after leaving the workforce.

Invalidity/Disability Benefits:

Social protection systems often include provisions for individuals with disabilities, offering financial assistance and support services to help them lead independent lives.

Survivors’ Benefits:

These benefits support the families of deceased workers, providing financial assistance to surviving spouses and dependents, thereby helping them cope with the loss of income.

Importance of Social Protection

Social protection systems are essential for safeguarding vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. They play a critical role in promoting social inclusion and economic stability by:

• Reducing poverty and inequality.
• Enhancing access to education and healthcare.
• Supporting labor market participation.
• Mitigating the impacts of economic shocks and crises.
• Why current measures fail to address women’s needs.

Current measures often fail to address women's needs in social protection due to several systemic gaps and biases. Despite some progress, significant challenges persist that leave women disproportionately vulnerable. Here are the key reasons why existing social protection frameworks fall short:

1. Widespread Exclusion from Coverage

Approximately two billion women and girls globally lack access to any form of social protection, including essential benefits such as cash transfers, unemployment insurance, and healthcare36. Women are overrepresented among the 71% of the world's population that has only partial or no access to social protection systems2. This exclusion is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where gender gaps in coverage have widened since 2015, suggesting that recent gains have predominantly benefited men3.

2. Inadequate Maternity and Child Benefits

Despite the critical importance of maternity benefits, over 63% of women worldwide give birth without any maternity protection, with this figure soaring to 94% in sub-Saharan Africa46. The lack of financial support during maternity not only places women at an economic disadvantage but also compromises their health and that of their children, perpetuating cycles of poverty across generations3. Furthermore, conditional cash transfer programs often fail to adequately support women’s caregiving roles, as they may require compliance with conditions that are difficult to meet in areas with poor public services2.

3. Gender-Specific Risks Overlooked

Social protection systems frequently do not address gender-specific risks faced by women, such as those related to reproductive health and domestic responsibilities. Women aged 25-34 are 25% more likely than their male counterparts to live in extreme poverty, a disparity exacerbated by factors like conflict and climate change46. In fragile contexts, women are 7.7 times more likely to experience extreme poverty than those in stable environments3. This indicates a critical oversight in recognizing the unique challenges women face during crises.

4. Insufficient Economic Empowerment Measures

While many social protection measures exist, only 18% of nearly 1,000 new initiatives introduced globally focus specifically on women's economic security6. Women often work in informal sectors where social protections are minimal or nonexistent—over 740 million women find themselves in such precarious employment situations2. This lack of access to adequate protections limits their ability to build financial stability and independence.

5. Low Benefit Levels and Conditionalities

Even where social protection programs exist, the benefits provided are often insufficient to lift families out of poverty. Many programs have low benefit levels that do not adequately meet basic needs. Additionally, conditionalities tied to these benefits can be problematic; for example, requirements for children’s health check-ups or school attendance may not be feasible where public services are lacking or of low quality2.

Closing the gender gap

To effectively close the gender gap, comprehensive action plans, legal reforms, and targeted investments are essential. These measures should address the systemic inequalities that women face across various sectors. Here’s an overview of the necessary components:

Action Plans

Gender Equality Action Plans (GEAPs):

GEAPs serve as strategic frameworks outlining specific gender equality goals and the actions required to achieve them within various policy areas such as healthcare, education, and employment. For example, the Cities Alliance Gender Equality Action Plan (2024-2026) emphasizes integrating women's perspectives into urban planning and governance to address inequalities in developing cities 3.

Project Gender Action Plans (GAPs):

These plans are crucial for ensuring gender-inclusive project design and implementation. They include specific quotas, targets, and activities aimed at addressing gender equality issues. A well-structured GAP can enhance women's participation in project activities and improve access to resources, ultimately fostering economic empowerment 2.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Effective action plans must incorporate clear indicators for monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes. This includes collecting sex-disaggregated data to assess the impact of policies on men and women alike 4.

Legal Reforms

Strengthening Legal Frameworks:

Legal reforms are necessary to ensure equal rights for women in all aspects of life, including property rights, labor laws, and anti-discrimination legislation. Countries must enact laws that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as equal pay provisions and protections against workplace harassment.

Implementation of Existing Laws:

It is crucial not only to create laws but also to ensure their effective implementation. Governments need to establish mechanisms for enforcing gender equality laws and hold violators accountable.

Support for Women’s Rights Organizations:

Legal reforms should be supported by empowering local, national, and international women’s rights organizations that advocate for gender equality and provide resources for women facing discrimination 5.

Investments

Financing Gender-Responsive Social Protection Systems:

Governments should invest in social protection systems that specifically address women's needs, such as maternity benefits, childcare support, and healthcare access. This includes extending coverage to informal workers who are disproportionately women 5.

Investing in Education and Skills Development:

Targeted investments in education for girls and women can significantly reduce gender disparities. Programs should focus on providing access to quality education, vocational training, and lifelong learning opportunities that equip women with the skills needed in the labor market.

Addressing Economic Inequalities:

Investments should also focus on improving women's access to financial resources, including credit, land ownership, and technology. Ensuring that women can independently access these resources is vital for their economic empowerment 6.

Promoting Gender-Responsive Policies Across Sectors:

All sectors should adopt gender-responsive policies that consider the different impacts on men and women. This includes integrating gender considerations into climate change initiatives, health programs, and economic recovery plans post-COVID-19 6.

How changes could uplift billions of women and reduce global poverty.

To uplift billions of women and reduce global poverty, a multifaceted approach is essential. Here are key strategies based on recent insights:

1. Enhancing Access to Education

• Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. According to UNESCO, if all students in low-income countries achieved basic reading skills, an estimated 171 million people could escape extreme poverty. Ensuring that all girls complete secondary education could cut the global poverty rate by more than half. This requires:
• Investing in quality education: Building schools, training teachers, and providing resources to create inclusive learning environments.
• Addressing barriers: Implementing initiatives to keep girls in school, such as providing scholarships and safe transportation.

2. Improving Healthcare Access

• Access to basic healthcare is crucial for women's empowerment and poverty reduction. Many deaths could be prevented with affordable health services. Key actions include:
• Building healthcare infrastructure: Establishing clinics and training healthcare workers to ensure quality maternal and child health services.
• Providing reproductive health services: Ensuring access to family planning and maternal care can significantly improve women’s health outcomes.

3. Strengthening Economic Opportunities

• Empowering women economically is vital for reducing poverty. Women often face barriers in accessing jobs, credit, and resources. Strategies include:
• Microfinance programs: Providing small loans to women can enable them to start businesses and become financially independent.
• Skills training: Offering vocational training tailored to local job markets can enhance women’s employability.

4. Ensuring Food Security and Clean Water

• Food insecurity disproportionately affects women and children, impacting their health and productivity. Solutions involve:
• Improving agricultural practices: Supporting women farmers with training and resources can enhance food production.
• Access to clean water: Investing in water infrastructure reduces the time women spend collecting water, allowing them more opportunities for education and work.

5. Legal Reforms and Social Protection

• Implementing legal reforms that protect women's rights is essential for fostering equality. This includes:
• Strengthening laws against gender discrimination: Ensuring equal rights in property ownership, inheritance, and employment.
• Expanding social protection systems: Providing maternity benefits, childcare support, and unemployment insurance can help women balance work and family responsibilities.

6. Ending Child Marriage

• Child marriage significantly limits girls' opportunities for education and economic independence. Efforts should focus on:
• Community education programs: Raising awareness about the negative impacts of child marriage can shift cultural norms.
• Legal measures: Enforcing laws that set the minimum age for marriage can help protect young girls.

Conclusion

The urgent need for global unity and decisive action to achieve gender equality by 2030 has never been more critical. Despite some progress over the past decades, significant barriers persist that hinder women's rights and opportunities worldwide. Current trends indicate that if we continue on this path, it will take 300 years to end child marriage, 286 years to close gaps in legal protection, and 140 years for women to achieve equal representation in leadership roles.

The Need for Collective Action

The Generation Equality Forum, convened by UN Women, emphasizes the importance of collective efforts across all sectors of society to accelerate progress toward gender equality. Launched in 2021, this initiative has mobilized over $40 billion in commitments aimed at addressing critical areas such as women's health, economic empowerment, and political participation. However, the effectiveness of these commitments hinges on sustained accountability and collaboration among governments, civil society, and private sectors.

Addressing Systemic Barriers

Gender inequality is not just a women's issue; it affects everyone and hampers social progress. Women represent half of the world's population and potential yet face systemic barriers such as discrimination in the labor market—where they earn an average of 23% less than men—and the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic work. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities, with increased reports of violence against women and a surge in care responsibilities.

A Call for Comprehensive Policy Reforms

To dismantle these barriers, comprehensive policy reforms are essential. This includes:

1. Strengthening legal frameworks to eliminate discrimination against women.
2. Investing in social protection systems that recognize and value unpaid care work.
3. Promoting women's leadership across all sectors to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

The Path Forward

Achieving gender equality by 2030 requires a unified global effort that prioritizes women's rights as fundamental human rights. This means not only committing financial resources but also fostering an environment where women can thrive socially, economically, and politically. As we move forward, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain engaged and accountable in this collective journey toward equality.

In conclusion, the path to gender equality is fraught with challenges but also rich with opportunities for transformative change. By rallying together—governments, organizations, and individuals—we can create a future where every woman and girl has the chance to realize her full potential. The time for decisive action is now; the world cannot afford to wait another century for equality.

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