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Gender and Social Protection

Gender and Social Protection

[Brief]

  • Year: 2019

  • Publication type: Thematic analysis

Summary

Women and men experience poverty differentlydue to gender differences within the householdas well as in society. A gender equality approachto social protection policies, strategies and programsis therefore key to enable equal access toprotection from extreme poverty, vulnerability andsocial exclusion throughout the life cycle. Socialprotection contributes to challenging gender rolesthrough increased income for women, decreasedintimate partner violence and increased schoolattendance for girls. Still, social protection programshave been criticized for insufficient genderintegration. This brief provides guidance on how agender perspective can be mainstreamed in policiesand programs for social protection.

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  • Topic: DemocracyDemocracy and human rightsGender equalityGender equality

  • Geographic area: Global

  • Language: English

Latest within the same topics

Good practices on Gender Equality in Social Protection Programming

Topic:Globe PovertyHealth Health Humanitarian assistanceGender equality Gender equality

Social protection is a human right with direct effects on poverty, resilience and livelihoods. Well-designed programmes can also improve gender equality and reduce women’s vulnerabilities across the life course.

  • Publication type:Thematic analysis and method support
  • Year: 2026
  • Geographic area:Global

Central Evaluation of Conflict Sensitivity in Sida’s Development and Humanitarian Cooperation

Topic:Democracy Democracy and human rightsIncluding economic development Economic developmentPeaceful inclusive societies Peaceful societies Humanitarian assistanceGender equality Gender equalityEnvironmental climate Environment and climate

Purpose and use

This evaluation examines how Sida integrates conflict sensitivity across its strategies and operations, with the purpose of strengthening learning and improving how Sida’s work affects peace and conflict dynamics.

Conclusion

It finds that conflict sensitivity is increasingly embedded in Sida’s portfolio but applied unevenly across contexts. Stronger results emerge where analysis is continuous, partner capacity is high, and adaptation is proactive. Weak monitoring systems and inconsistent feedback loops limit learning and the ability to track outcomes or anticipate risks.

Recommendation

The evaluation recommends establishing minimum standards for conflict sensitivity across all strategies, ensuring regular context updates, strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning systems with simple indicators, and proactively addressing recurring risks such as gender backlash, unequal targeting, and challenges linked to country exits.

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Annexes

Annex 1: Annex list
Annex 2: Country case studies

  • Publication type:Central evaluation
  • Year: 2026
  • Geographic area:Global