Social Protection From a Global Perspective

The World Bank's 2019 World Development Report considers social protection from a global perspective and presents simulation data to illustrate the costs and benefits of social protection programs. Opponents of universal social protection argue that it is not cost effective and unfairly distorts individual efforts. Instead, they argue that targeting interventions are the better option.

Economic downturns

In summary, economic stabilisers are programs in place to ensure that a country's public finances can absorb the changes that inevitably accompany a business cycle. They are often contingent on a number of factors, such as the size of the public sector and the extent of a country's welfare state. The larger the automatic stabilisers, the more resilient a country's public finances will be.

COVID-19 pandemic

The United Nations has called for more funding for social protection programs, urging governments to invest in these programs. In particular, the UNAIDS program, UNICEF, the International Labour Organization, the World Food Program, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees have called on governments to invest in such programs. Furthermore, the UNODC, which focuses on drug and crime issues, and UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, have called on governments to invest in these programs.

Social protection programmes are critical to ensuring that every person can access essential services, like health care. They are vital to shield people from poverty and a loss of livelihood. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the economic hardship faced by vulnerable populations, such as the poor and the disadvantaged. For example, the crisis has resulted in the closure of schools in a third of the world's population, preventing them from accessing social services and receiving an education. Children are also suffering from the socio-economic effects of the pandemic. Without proper support, the socio-economic fallout from the epidemic puts an entire generation of young people at risk.

Targeted interventions

Targeted interventions in social protection programs can help people escape poverty by mitigating risks, building resilience, and enhancing opportunities. While the ultimate goal of social protection is universal coverage, interventions must be targeted to help the most vulnerable first. Targeting must be based on context, policy objectives, and community involvement.

One popular method to identify the poor is by using a technique known as proxy means testing, which involves collecting data on households and individuals' assets and income levels and using statistical techniques to estimate their consumption levels. This method has been used successfully by many countries to develop targeted social protection programs. However, it is not a perfect way to measure poverty and is costly.

Universality

Universal social protection programs are a key component of green transition, sustainable development, and inclusive social development. They are a human right, and are crucial to recovery and green transition. Universal social protection programs can improve the quality of life of those in need, and can help create a more inclusive society.

Universal social protection is essential to help people recover in a crisis. A strong social protection system contributes to a faster and more stable economy. The COVID-19 pandemic and the unfolding global crisis have reinforced the importance of universal social protection. By addressing persistent poverty and its structural causes, social protection can help lift recipients out of poverty. This policy is particularly useful in developing countries, where poverty is a major issue.

Costs

Social protection programs can make a significant difference in the lives of poor people by enhancing human capital, combating inequalities and building resilience. They also give people the chance to climb out of poverty and contribute to the economy. Moreover, they are cost-effective, costing as little as 1.5% of GDP.

For the past 20 years, international development agencies and other donors have invested heavily in the dissemination of social protection policies in Africa. These organizations include multilateral donors, United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, and non-governmental organizations. To help countries successfully transfer social protection policies, international development organizations have implemented a variety of strategies, including the establishment of evidence-based evaluations of the effectiveness of programs and building government capacity through training courses. However, to implement effective social protection programs, deep political commitment is required.

Women's participation

Women's participation in social protection programs may be limited by a variety of factors. One important factor is the ability to make financial decisions. In addition to access to financial resources, women need economic empowerment. Many women face limited economic opportunities and low participation rates in the labor force. In addition, women earn only half the income of men. Financial inclusion programs often provide cash transfers or microcredits to women.

Moreover, women face different risks than men, making their participation in social protection programs more difficult. Unfortunately, social protection programmes are often not designed with women in mind. However, it is possible to make programs more accessible for women by adapting them to their needs. Features such as accommodating women's lower literacy levels, allowing greater flexibility in official documents, providing services close to women's homes, and requiring small contributions at flexible intervals are all ways to increase women's participation in social protection programs.