Explore every episode of the podcast Social Protection Podcast

Globally, fisheries and aquaculture make essential contributions to nutrition and food security, income, livelihoods, and economies, particularly through the small-scale fisheries sector, which directly employs 60 million people, supports nearly 500 million livelihoods, and provides over half of all fish consumed worldwide. Yet, despite these contributions, small-scale fishers and fish workers often face unequal access to resources and opportunities, precarious working conditions, unstable incomes, market and value-chain pressures, limited access to social protection, and growing exposure to economic and environmental shocks. Together, these challenges can undermine livelihoods and contribute to unsustainable outcomes for both fishing communities and aquatic ecosystems, which raises an important question: How can efforts to protect our oceans also protect the communities that depend on them? 

In this first episode of the Social Protection for Fisheries series, we explore the connections between social protection, livelihood security, and environmental sustainability in small-scale fisheries. Through practical examples, our guests discuss how social protection measures, including compensation mechanisms linked to fisheries management and conservation efforts, can help reduce vulnerabilities, support income stability, and enable sustainable fishing practices. The episode also highlights the role of markets and fishers’ organizations and explores how stronger registries and interoperability can help extend social protection to fishing communities. 

Meet our guests:  

• Daniela Kalikoski, Fishery Officer and Equitable Livelihoods Team Lead, Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) 
• Fabio Veras, Researcher, Brazil's Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA) 
• Wendy Norton, Director of Global Programs, Global Ocean Conservation, Monterey Bay Aquarium 

💬 Your feedback and ideas for the podcast are always welcome. Share your suggestions on topics to cover, resources, or guest recommendations. 

Beyond reducing poverty, can social protection build trust – within communities and between citizens and the state – and help hold societies together? In this episode, we discuss the relationship between social protection and social cohesion.

Drawing on research from Ethiopia, Malawi and beyond, our guests explore why cash transfers can help restore social ties and institutional trust in some settings, while creating perceptions of unfairness and tensions in others. The conversation looks at what makes the difference, from transparent targeting to community participation and communication, and asks how policymakers can support social cohesion without expecting social protection schemes to achieve what they cannot do alone.

Meet our guests:

• Francesco Burchi, Senior Researcher and Project Leader, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

• Kibrom Abay, Senior Research Fellow, Development Strategy and Governance Division, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

For our Quick Wins segment, we talked to Social Protection Specialist and researcher Nourjelha Elhag. In her recently published article, she explores the potential of zakat to complement national social protection systems, drawing on research from Pakistan and Jordan.

💬 Your feedback and ideas for the podcast are always welcome. Share your suggestions on topics to cover, resources, or guest recommendations. 

As part of socialprotection.org’s 11th anniversary, this episode explores the central question behind the campaign: what does society stand to lose when we do not invest in social protection? 

Too often framed primarily as a public expense, social protection can play a critical role in reducing poverty and inequality, expanding access to opportunities, and helping people and economies withstand and recover from shocks. When adequate protection is not in place, the consequences can extend across the life course and across societies, reinforcing vulnerability, limiting inclusive development, and weakening social cohesion. 

Drawing on evidence and examples from different contexts, this episode delves into the social and economic returns of investing in social protection, from early childhood, care and informal employment to economic inclusion and crisis preparedness. What are the wider costs of leaving people without adequate protection? How can stronger, universal systems contribute to resilience, productivity and more equitable opportunities? And what does it take to build and expand social protection systems when governments face competing priorities and limited resources? 

Meet our guests: 

• Laura Alfers, International Coordinator, WIEGO 
• Dominic Richardson, Managing Director, Learning for Well-being Institute 
• Jamele Rigolini, Senior Advisor for Social Policy, The World Bank 

For our Quick Wins segment, we spoke with Sherine Al-Shawarby, Professor of Economics at Cairo University and Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Economics and Business Administration at May University in Cairo, who discussed the ongoing debate around bread subsidy reform in Egypt 

💬 Your feedback and ideas for the podcast are always welcome. Share your suggestions on topics to cover, resources, or guest recommendations. 

In the context of global price shocks, governments often turn to subsidies to shield households and businesses from rising costs. While subsidies can provide immediate relief, they are also among the most contested policy instruments. Given how costly they are to sustain, subsidies often have regressive distributional impact making them notoriously difficult to reform.

In this concluding episode of our two-part discussion on subsidies, we explore why subsidy reform remains one of the most politically and economically challenging issues in social policy. If there is broad agreement that resources could often be used more effectively through targeted social protection, why do subsidies continue to persist? What political, institutional, and social factors make reform so difficult? And what lessons can be drawn from countries that have successfully transitioned towards more equitable and efficient systems?

We also examine the role of social protection in making the reforms feasible. As governments seek fiscal space to strengthen social protection systems and respond to economic, climate, and other shocks, compensatory cash transfers and adaptive social protection have increasingly been presented as viable alternatives to broad-based subsidies and strong enablers of a successful reform.

Meet our guests:

• Dr. Neil McCulloch, Director, The Policy Practice

• Tara Moayed, Governance and Social Development Consultant

For our Quick Wins segment, we spoke with Shaun Baugh, Programme Manager at Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat who shed light on the implications of the “Super El Niño”, alongside other climate and global shocks, for food security and vulnerable populations in the region.

Publication | Intersecting Global and Regional Shocks: Implications of the Middle East Crisis and El Niño for Food Security in the Caribbean

Publication | From Regressive Subsidies to Progressive Redistribution: The Role of Redistribution and Recognition in Energy Subsidy Reform

Over recent decades, global shocks such as the Global Food, Fuel and Financial Crisis of 2007–2009, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, have driven countries to rapidly scale up social protection measures, including subsidies, to cushion households from rising food and energy prices. Increasing attention has also been placed on shock-responsive measures to address climate disasters and other crises. The recent conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to energy infrastructure and oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz have once again highlighted the vulnerability of global energy and food systems. While oil flows have resumed, markets are expected to stabilise over time, with continued impacts on energy prices, agricultural inputs and household budgets.

In this first episode of a two-part discussion on subsidies, we draw on recent analyses to explore why such policies continue to account for over half of global responses to price shocks despite their regressive nature and significant fiscal costs, and what it would take to strengthen social protection systems as more effective and sustainable alternatives. Why do governments continue to rely on subsidies despite these challenges? What prevents social protection systems from playing a larger role during crises? And what would it take to build systems that can respond more quickly and effectively when the next shock hits?

* This episode was recorded on 17 June 2026. While we recognize that there have been further developments in the Iran-US peace talks, the discussions in this episode remain relevant and continue to provide valuable context.

Meet our guests:

Giovanna Mazzeo Ortolani, Social Protection Specialist, FAO

Yannick Hemmerlé, Economist, OECD Economics Department

For our Quick Wins segment, we spoke with Marina Carvalho, Project Manager at socialprotection.org, who introduced some of the  key features and improvements of the new socialprotection.org platform,  launched in June! We invite you to explore the new platform and join us in growing the world's leading knowledge-sharing community on social protection!

Resources:

Report | Tracking Global Social Policy Responses to High Energy Prices

Report | The role of social protection in addressing the impacts of the 2026 conflict in the Middle East

Policy Brief | Energy prices are spiking again

In this episode of the Social Inclusion Series*, we explore how social protection systems can support greater inclusion for persons with disabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. Most of them face multiple and interconnected barriers, ranging from inaccessible environments and social stigma to the high costs of healthcare, assistive technologies, and care. When these needs go unmet, they can lead to increased risk of poverty, reduced participation in education and employment, and diminished well-being for individuals and their families.

This episode examines how governments and communities are working to address these challenges. We unpack “cash-plus” approaches that combine income support with health coverage, assistive devices, and care services, and look at how countries, especially in Southeast Asia, are designing more inclusive and responsive forms of support..

Meet our guests: 

• Abner Manlapaz, Senior Associate of Center for Inclusive Policy (CIP)
• Charles Knox-Vydmanov, Social Policy Specialist (Inclusive Social Protection – Disability), UNICEF

For our Quick Wins segment, we spoke with Sam Drummond, the host of the podcast ‘Building Inclusion’, a limited podcast series that highlights the voices shaping the future of disability inclusion in Australia.

*The Social Inclusion Series, produced by socialprotection.org in partnership with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is a three-part series that explores how social protection systems can advance the economic and social inclusion of vulnerable populations across the Indo-Pacific, in line with GEDSI principles, addressing key themes such as gender equality, demographic shifts, and disability inclusion.

Resources:

Multimedia | Building Inclusion: Australia’s Disability Strategy

Publication | Global Disability Inclusion Report

Publication | Methodological Guidelines on Assessing Household Disability-Related Costs and Their Implication for Participation

Publication | Building an inclusive future: Social protection as a catalyst for disability empowerment in Viet Nam

Publication| Bridging the information gap towards inclusive governance

In this second episode of the Social Inclusion Series*, we explore how ageing populations are reshaping social protection needs and development across Asia and the Pacific. While demographic trends vary widely across the region, countries are increasingly facing issues on how to support income security, health, care, and dignity in later life.

The episode explores the links between ageing, pension systems, and the care economy, which has long relied on women’s unpaid labour, including how family-based care is coming under increasing pressure from migration, urbanisation, and changing social and economic conditions. Drawing on examples from the Asia-Pacific region, with a closer look at the experience of Fiji, our guests discuss how social protection can evolve to complement family and community support, reduce poverty, and strengthen resilience across the life course.

Meet our guests: 

• Philip O’Keefe, Professor of Practice, Centre for Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), University of New South Wales
• Jesse Doyle, Senior Social Protection Specialist (Economist), P4SP**
• Ms Rozia Bi, National Coordinator - Social Protection Reforms, Fiji Ministry of Women, Children & Social Protection

For our Quick Wins segment, we spoke with Meghna Ranganathan, Associate Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who shared insights on how the impacts of social protection interventions on intimate partner violence and household dynamics evolve over time, and reflected on more inclusive approaches to research and evidence.

*The Social Inclusion Series, produced by socialprotection.org in partnership with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is a three-part series that explores how social protection systems can advance the economic and social inclusion of vulnerable populations across the Indo-Pacific, in line with GEDSI principles, addressing key themes such as gender equality, demographic shifts, and disability inclusion.

**P4SP stands for Partnership for Social Protection and it is a program funded and supported by the Australian Government. More information here. 

Resources:

Publication | World social protection report 2024-26: Regional companion report for Asia and the Pacific

Publication | Social Outlook for Asia and the Pacific 2024 - Protecting our Future Today: Social Protection in Asia and the Pacific

Publication | Toward a Resilient Care Ecosystem in Asia and the Pacific - Promising Practices, Lessons Learned, and Pathways for Action on Decent Care Work

Publication | Caring Societies, Inclusive, and Green Economies in Asia and the Pacific: Unveiling Data To Advance Women’s Empowerment Beyond GDP

Blog | Why Asia-Pacific should care about care: Care infrastructure is the next frontier development solution across the region

Blog | Ageing in the Global South: The challenge of social protection

Publication | Future demand for care in Indonesia, the Philippines & Vietnam

Website | Cash Transfer and IPV Research Collaborative

Publication | Evolution of intimate partner violence impacts from cash transfers, food transfers, and behaviour change communication: Mixed-method experimental evidence from a nine-year post-programme follow-up in Bangladesh

Publication | Decolonising implementation science: a call for methodological pluralism

In this first episode of the Social Inclusion Series*, we shine a spotlight on adolescent girls. Adolescence is a turning point—but one that often goes overlooked in social protection. These years are filled with major transitions, especially for girls, who often face greater challenges in staying in school, taking on care responsibilities, navigating sexual debut, and making decisions about their futures. These challenges are often driven by underlying gender inequalities and poverty, which shape and often constrain these pathways.  

In this episode, we explore how social protection can help shift that trajectory. Focusing on risks such as child marriage and early pregnancy, we unpack how well-designed programmes can support girls to stay in school, access essential services, and navigate this critical stage of life with greater security. It also discusses how crisis—from economic shocks to climate change—can deepen risks, making already fragile transitions even more uncertain for adolescent girls. 

Our guests dive into the evidence on what works providing some examples in Asia and worldwide and discuss why investing in adolescent girls is key to building more inclusive, resilient and climate-adaptive societies. 

Meet our guests: 

• Kath Ford, Deputy Director, Young Lives Research Program, University of Oxford 

• Dr. Nyasha Tirivayi, Social Policy Manager, UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence-Innocenti 

For our Quick Wins segment, we spoke with Eunice Tumwebaze, who is the Manager for Gender, Youth, and Children at the Kampala Capital City Authority in Uganda, who provided and overview of the Uganda's first urban social protection program for girls called “Girls Empowering Girls”. 

*The Social Inclusion Series, produced by socialprotection.org in partnership with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is a three-part series that explores how social protection systems can advance the economic and social inclusion of vulnerable populations across the Indo-Pacific, in line with GEDSI principles, addressing key themes such as gender equality, demographic shifts, and disability inclusion. 

Resources:

Publication | Unlocking Potential: How Social Protection Can Improve Disadvantaged Children’s Foundational Cognitive Skills 

Publication | Weathering the Storm: Climate Shocks Threaten Children’s Skills and Learning But Social Protection Can Mitigate Impact 

Publication | A Call to Action to expand social protection and care systems and promote decent work to address child poverty 

Publication | Non-contributory Social Protection and Adolescents in Lower- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review of Government Programming and Impacts 

Publication | Impacts and Design of Social Assistance for Adolescent Girls’ Empowerment and Well-Being in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: What Works for Adolescent Girls 

Publication | Systematic review of cash plus or bundled interventions targeting adolescents in Africa to reduce HIV risk 

News | DSWD's ProtecTEEN program to address adolescent pregnancy 

News | DSWD XI, CPD XI forge partnership on Social Protection and PopDev 

Technical Brief | The Investment Case for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Marriage in South-East Asia  

Webinar | Global Evaluation of UNICEF work supporting expansion toward universal child benefits - cash plus programming strengthening adolescent and youth development, opportunities and empowerment In Good practices from Uganda and India 

Website | Gender-Responsive Age-Sensitive Social Protection (GRASSP) project 

Publication | Towards Gender-Responsive Social Protection: Evidence on policymaking, programme implementation and impacts for women and girls 

Publication | A Cash Plus Model for Safe Transitions to a Healthy and Productive Adulthood: Round 4 Findings 

 Between 2015 and 2025, the number of displaced people worldwide nearly doubled. Today, more than 123 million people are forcibly displaced globally, including around 42 million refugees. Many of the countries that host refugees internationally are low- or middle-income, often lacking adequate social protection systems for their own citizens, let alone for displaced populations. As conflicts become increasingly protracted, displacement now lasts for years, or even decades, turning forced displacement from a short-term emergency into a long-term development challenge.

Given this background, the episode explores how perspectives on forced displacement have evolved, shifting from a primarily humanitarian concern to a broader development issue. It examines how social protection systems can be expanded to better include refugees, and discusses the opportunities and challenges of approaches that bridge humanitarian and development responses within social protection frameworks.

This month’s episode marks five years of the Social Protection Podcast. Over this time, the podcast has brought together voices from a wide range of institutions, countries, and perspectives to explore the evolving debates, policies, and practices shaping social protection worldwide. Since its launch, the podcast has released 70 episodes, including five special series, and reached thousands of listeners in over 180 countries. This milestone reflects the commitment of our guests and partners, as well as the dedicated work of the socialprotection.org team and its collaborators. And, of course, to you, the listener: thank you for being part of this journey!

Meet our guests:

Mattia Polvanesi, Senior Social Protection Officer, UNHCR

Pablo A. Acosta, Lead Economist for Social Protection and Global Lead for Migration, World Bank Group

Sarah Hague, Senior Advisor and Global Coordinator, Economic and Social Policy Global Practice, UNICEF

For our Quick Wins segment, we spoke with Lauren Whitehead, Lead on Inclusive Social Protection and Gender, UNICEF, who shared key outcomes and takeaways from the Gender-Responsive Social Protection Symposium.

Resources:

Website | 1951 Refugee Convention

Publication | 2018 Global Compact on Refugees

 Publication | Refugees and Social Assistance in Low- and middle-income Countries : A Review of Operational Experiences

Publication | Responsibility Sharing and the Economic Participation of Refugees in Chad

Publication | Leaving no one behind: Why social protection must include displaced people (not open access)

 Publication | IMF World Economic Outlook  - A Critical Juncture amid Policy Shifts

 Publication | The Global Cost of Refugee Inclusion in Host Countries’ Health Systems: A Joint World Bank-UNHCR Report

Publication | G20 Call to Action Towards Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Development through Universal Social Protection Systems

Publication | Tipsheets for applying the Common Principles for linking Humanitarian Assistance and Social Protection: Principle 9

Publication | Guiding Principles for Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Social Protection

The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, launched under Brazil’s G20 Presidency in 2024, seeks to accelerate progress towards ending extreme poverty and hunger while tackling inequality. Bringing together over 200 members including governments, international organisations, and other partners, the Alliance aims to mobilise political commitment, align public and private financing, and promote evidence-based policy solutions that are country-led and centred on those most affected. 

In this episode, we unpack the Alliance’s mandate and early achievements, explore how it supports countries in identifying needs and scaling proven policy instruments, and discuss what lies ahead as the Global Alliance moves from coordination to large-scale implementation. 

Meet our guests: 

Renato Domith Godinho, Director, Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty Support Mechanism  Kevin Watkins, Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics

In our Quick Wins segment, we speak with Raphaël Duteau, Manager for AI and Data Ethics at Employment and Social Development Canada, about the opportunities Artificial Intelligence presents for social protection. He also shares insights on the AI Hub launched under the Digital Convergence Initiative. 

References: 

Resource | Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty 

Resource | AI Hub 

Webinar recording | The AI Hub for Social Protection - supporting responsible AI in social protection 

In this episode, we explore how TRANSFORM is being institutionalised as a core approach to continuous capacity building for social protection practitioners and leaders across Africa. The conversations focus on how the initiative has supported the development of rights-based, inclusive social protection systems and how its content and methodology are being embedded within training programmes to strengthen leadership and skills at national and decentralised levels. This episode also reflects on the future of TRANSFORM in the context of shifting global dynamics, including changes in the official development assistance landscape.

The episode concludes the three-part TRANSFORM Podcast Series, which presents the initiative's achievements 10 years since its inception through conversations with guests from the continent. In case you missed the prior episodes of the series, you can access them here: 

• Ep. 1 | Social Protection Capacity Building in Africa: 10 Years of TRANSFORM
• Ep. 2 | Promoting a Culture of Social Protection in Africa

Hosted by Abidemi Coker, a passionate TRANSFORM Master Trainer.

Meet our guests for episode 3:

• Patience Matandiko, Technical Officer - Social Protection, ILO Malawi
• Emmanuel Danjuma, National Programme Coordinator - Social Protection, ILO Nigeria
• Thokozani Mtapaonga, Principal, Magomero Community Development College, & Deputy Director in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Malawi

For our testimonial segment, we welcome Samuel Kapingidza, Social Protection Specialist at the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, and the TRANSFORM Advisory Group chairperson.

To learn more and explore how TRANSFORM can be tailored for your context and how you can get involved with the initiative, go to https://transformsp.org and contact transform_socialprotection@ilo.org.

In this episode, we explore how TRANSFORM has helped promote a ‘culture of social protection’ across Africa, shaping how civil servants approach their roles and how institutions adapt to address lifecycle challenges using TRANSFORM’s building-block methodology. The conversations highlight the initiative’s leadership effects and its influence at national and sub-national levels, while also examining how it has supported the integration of social protection into the priorities of the African regional bodies and governments.

This is the second of the three-part TRANSFORM Podcast Series, which will present the initiative's achievements 10 years since its inception through conversations with guests from the continent. In case you missed the first episode of the TRANSFORM series, you can access it here: Ep. 1 | Social Protection Capacity Building in Africa: 10 Years of TRANSFORM

Hosted by Abidemi Coker, a passionate TRANSFORM Master Trainer.

Meet our guests for episode 2:

• Thebuho Kavubya, District Social Welfare Officer, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services of Zambia.
• Ivan Oscar Langa, Social Protection and Policy Specialist and a TRANSFORM Master Trainer from Mozambique.

For our testimonial segment, we welcome Felix Mwenge, TRANSFORM Coordinator and the Technical Officer for TRANSFORM and Knowledge Management at the ILO Country Office for Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

To learn more and explore how TRANSFORM can be tailored to your own context and how you can get involved with the initiative, go to https://transformsp.org and contact transform_socialprotection@ilo.org.

In this special episode with Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, we explore where global efforts stand today to combat poverty and how international actors can strengthen their support, particularly through a human-rights lens. The discussion brings what an effective path forward might look like in today’s complex global context, and how poverty, as a deeply transversal issue, is interlinked with a myriad of other major themes requiring international and national attention.

Our regular podcast episodes will take a short break in January 2026, but we will be back in February with exciting guests and new social protection topics. In the meantime, we leave you with our special TRANSFORM podcast series, which will feature two more episodes: one to be released later this month and the other in January. Stay tuned!

Meet our guests:

• Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights

For our Quick Wins segment, we have Marco Knowles, Senior Social Protection Officer at FAO, talking about the latest publication on social protection for rural populations within green climate fund projects. We also discuss the latest development on COP30 in Belém and the advocacy efforts that have been made so far.

Publication: Weathering the storm: poverty, climate change and social protection

Publication| Breaking the cycle: ending the criminalization of homelessness: Report of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter

Publication | The Poverty of Growth

Publication | Eradicating poverty beyond growth: Report of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter

Publication | Non-take-up of rights in the context of social protection: Report of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter

Publication | Social protection and inclusive climate action – A review of social protection for rural populations within Green Climate Fund projects

 Do cash transfers drive inflation? Is social protection a cost to the economy, or an investment in its future? And who should these systems ultimately serve? In this second and final episode on social protection myths and misperceptions, we turn to the economic and systemic dimensions — how social protection interacts with markets, fiscal policy, and national development. Drawing on global evidence and practice, we examine whether cash transfers distort prices, how they influence local economies, and what the data tell us about affordability and return on investment. We also explore the broader role of social protection beyond poverty reduction: as a foundation for inclusive and resilient societies. While not all answers are clear-cut, the discussion highlights how context, programme design, and policy choices shape outcomes, and why understanding these nuances is critical for effective, sustainable systems.

Meet our guests:

Davide Rasella, ICREA Research Professor and Head of the Global Health Impact Assessment and Evaluation Group, ISGlobal and ISC. Dennis Egger, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Oxford. Laura Carvalho, Associate Professor of Economics, University of São Paulo. For our Quick Wins segment, we spoke with Konstantinos Papadakis, Principal Social Affairs Officer at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, who shared insights on the outcomes of Second World Summit for Social Development.

Resources:

Podcast | Ep.54 | Social Protection Myths and Misperceptions Part 1

Publication | Do cash transfers cause inflation?

Publication | The multiplier effects of government expenditures on social protection

Publication | Social protection systems, redistribution and growth in Latin America

Publication | Impact of social protection on child malnutrition and mortality across 46 LMICs: a longitudinal study over two decades with insights from the COVID-19 pandemic

Publication | Effects of conditional cash transfers on tuberculosis incidence and mortality according to race, ethnicity and socioeconomic factors in the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort

Publication | Effect of a conditional cash transfer programme on AIDS incidence, hospitalisations, and mortality in Brazil: a longitudinal ecological study

Publication | Evaluation and Forecasting Analysis of the Association of Conditional Cash Transfer With Child Mortality in Latin America, 2000-2030

This episode introduces listeners to the origins and essence of the TRANSFORM initiative—an innovative, leading capacity-building program designed to strengthen social protection systems in Africa. It explores what sets TRANSFORM apart from other training programs and how it was designed as a uniquely African initiative, tailored to the continent’s context and adaptable to the needs of its countries and communities. 

The episode is the first of a three-part TRANSFORM Podcast Series, which will present the initiative's achievements 10 years since its inception through conversations with guests from the continent. The series explores the impact of TRANSFORM on the social protection in the region, showcasing achievements in building culture and its integration into institutions. 

Hosted by Abidemi Coker, a passionate TRANSFORM Master Trainer. 

Meet our guests for episode 1: 

• Emmy Tony Ameny, Assistant Commissioner of Programmes, Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda 
• Kate Blaine, Instructional Designer and Facilitator, Learn to Lead
• Vincent van Halsema, Global Social Protection Advisor, WFP, and former TRANSFORM Hub Coordinator 

For our testimonial segment, we welcome Aly Cisse, Social Protection and Labour Migration Specialist and a TRANSFORM Master Trainer from Senegal.  

To learn more and explore how TRANSFORM can be tailored to your own context and how you can get involved with the initiative, go to https://transformsp.org and contact transform_socialprotection@ilo.org.

Thirty years after the landmark World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, the world reconvenes in Doha for the second edition of the Summit — a defining moment to assess global progress in poverty eradication, employment, and social inclusion. As nations prepare to renew their commitments to the Copenhagen Declaration, the Summit offers a crucial opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of social protection in advancing the social development agenda. 

In this episode, we look back at the forces that shaped the first Summit and explore how the Copenhagen Declaration helped elevate social protection in global discourse. We trace the evolution of social development and consider what progress has been made, what gaps remain, and how today’s challenges, from conflict and fiscal pressures to climate and geopolitical change, are redefining the global agenda. We also examine the potential impact of the upcoming Summit for universal social protection, sustainable financing, and multilateral cooperation in an era of mounting headwinds. 

Meet our guests: 

• Ms. Iffath Sharif, Global Director for Social Protection and Labour, World Bank 
• Ms. Shahra Razavi, Director of the Social Protection Department, International Labour Organization (ILO) 

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Marta Pedrajas, Deputy Assistant Director for Multilateral Development Policies at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, to delve into a special side event at the WSSD 2025: the First Leaders’ Meeting of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty She also explores what this new global initiative to eradicate poverty and hunger could mean in practice. 

References: 

Publication | Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development 

Publication | World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal social protection for climate action and just transition 

Publication | Sevilla Commitment: Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development 

Publication | Elements paper for the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development 

Event |  First Leaders’ Meeting of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty 

Event | Universal Social Protection for Equitable Growth and Equitable Societies 

In this bonus episode, we explore the critical role of social protection in Gaza. Our guest expert unpacks how humanitarian community has found creative ways to deliver and scale up cash assistance through particular digital systems amid extreme adversity. How can social protection systems adapt in the face of prolonged instability? How can data be better managed in crisis situations? Where do fundings for these programmes come from? Tune in for a vital conversation on the ongoing humanitarian support and the resilience of systems supporting people in Gaza.

Meet our guests:

Carla Lacerda, Social Protection Cash and Voucher Thematic Working Group, STAAR Facility

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on September 22, 2025. While we recognize that there have been further developments in Gaza since then, the discussions in this episode remain relevant and important to highlight.

Is social protection just a handout? Does it discourage work? Or are the systems plagued by fraud? In this episode, we unpack some of the biggest myths surrounding social protection systems and explore the real data behind the rhetoric.

Despite the strong evidence base available and data which overwhelmingly proves the strengths of social protection in combating poverty and vulnerability, social protection practitioners are often faced by questions or doubts about mechanisms which have been, at some level, settled by evidence, practice and experience.

Whether you're a sceptic or a supporter, this conversation might challenge your assumptions and bring greater clarity to the debate.

Meet our guests:

• Rema Hanna, Jeffrey Cheah Professor of Southeast-Asia Studies, Harvard Kennedy School
• Tia Palermo, President at Policy Research Solutions (PRESTO)

On this episode we do not have a Quick Wins guest, as there will be a Bonus episode coming out mid-October. But our host, Jo, has highlighted a couple of resources (shared below) from Rema and Tia for you to enjoy in the meantime.

References:

Publication | Dispelling myths on gender and cash transfers: Evidence Summary

Publication | Social Protection: Policymaker Beliefs and Empirical Evidence

Additional references:

Publication | Conditional, unconditional and everything in between: a systematic review of the effects of cash transfer programmes on schooling outcomes.

Publication | The effects of cash transfers on adult labor market outcomes

Publication | Debunking the stereotype of the lazy welfare recipient: Evidence from cash transfer programs

Publication | Theoretical underpinnings and meta-analysis of the effects of cash transfers on intimate partner violence in low-and middle-income countries

Publication | The impact of cash transfers: a review of the evidence from low-and middle-income countries

Publication | A mixed-method review of cash transfers and intimate partner violence in low- and middle-income countries

Publication | Myth-busting? Confronting six common perceptions about unconditional cash transfers as a poverty reduction strategy in Africa

Publication | The Effectiveness of Cash and Cash Plus Interventions on Livelihoods Outcomes: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis

Publication | Social safety nets, women’s economic achievements and agency: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Publication | Do cash transfers alleviate common mental disorders in low-and middle-income countries? A systematic review and meta-analysis

This year, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of the socialprotection.org platform—a milestone that offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on how far social protection has come over the past decade, and where it is headed next.

Since 2015, when social protection was anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals (mainly under SDG 1 as a pillar of poverty reduction), the field has expanded and evolved in response to new global challenges. In this episode, we look back at key turning points: from the unprecedented expansion of programmes during COVID-19, to the growing recognition of social protection as a driver of women’s empowerment, and its emerging role in climate adaptation, mitigation, and crisis response.

But we don’t stop there. We also look ahead, asking what the next years may hold for social protection in the face of constrained financing, political pushback on climate and gender agendas, and shifting global priorities.

Meet our guests:

• Fabio Veras Soares, Researcher at the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG)
• Edward Archibald, Senior Technical Advisor at STAAR (Social Protection, Technical Assistance, Advice and Resources)
• Zehra Rizvi, Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Mariana Balboni, Coordinator of the socialprotection.org platform. Having been part of the platform’s story almost from the very beginning, Mariana reflects on its major achievements of the past 10 years in building and growing this global knowledge-sharing community. She also looks ahead to the next decade sharing the platform’s priorities for supporting the global community of practice, elaborating on how socialprotection.org will continue to evolve to meet emerging challenges in  the field, and her hopes for what the platform can achieve in the years to come.

In face of the climate emergency, integrating social protection into countries’ nationally determined contributions (NDCs) is essential for supporting vulnerable communities, advancing low-carbon transitions, and unlocking climate finance to expand adaptive social protection systems. With many countries set to update these critical climate instruments under the scope of the Paris Agreement, this is a critical moment to explore the topic. 

In this episode, we examine how social protection is being woven into national climate policies, with a spotlight on Cambodia’s pioneering approach—not only mentioning social protection but recognising it as a distinct sector in its new NDC 3.0. We delve deeper to discuss what it takes to bridge climate action and social protection, from building resilience and inclusive adaptation, to unlocking climate finance and coordinating across ministries. 

Meet our guest:  

• Dr. Matthew Walsham, Social Protection Specialist (Climate), Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). 

• Mr. Sophornreaksmey Sreng, Deputy Secretary General, General Secretariat for the National Social Protection Council, Kingdom of Cambodia. 

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Sayanti Sengupta, Technical Advisor for Social Protection & Climate at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, expanding on concrete steps countries can take to advance the critical agenda of integrating social protection into NDCs.  

References: 

Publication | Integration social protection in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 

Publication | Weathering the storm: poverty, climate change and social protection: Report of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights 

Database |  Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Registry | UNFCCC 

As the world prepares for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), the need to rethink how we fund social protection has never been more urgent. Debt burdens, shrinking official development assistance (ODA), and growing global inequalities are squeezing fiscal space, especially for low- and middle-income countries, putting the goal of Universal Social Protection by 2030 increasingly out of reach. In this episode, we explore the bold reforms needed to unlock sustainable financing for social protection and a just transition.

In the first part, we discuss how the global financial architecture must evolve to meet the needs of low- and lower-middle income countries—and how innovative tools like special drawing rights (SDRs) could offer solutions. Then, we reflect on what financing for social protection should look like in today’s crisis-prone world, unpacking the political choices behind budget constraints, the role of domestic resource mobilization, and how international solidarity can help turn political commitments into meaningful and measurable outcomes.

Meet our guests:

• Hassatou Diop N’Sele, Vice President for Finance and CFO, African Development Bank Group
• Celine Julia Felix, Social Protection Specialist for Social Protection System Strengthening, UNICEF
• Lena Simet, Senior Researcher and Advocate, Human Rights Watch

For Quick Wins, Jamele Rigolini, Senior Advisor for Social Protection and Labor at the World Bank, joins us to discuss the State of Social Protection Report 2025 and why expanding not just coverage, but adequacy is key in today’s uncertain world.

Resources:

Event | 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4)

Publication | African Union Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want

Publication | A Call for Action on Financing Social Protection

Publication | State of Social Protection Report 2025: The 2-Billion-Person Challenge

Publication | World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal social protection for climate action and a just transition  

Health is a human right, as well as a cornerstone of social protection systems. Yet globally, millions remain excluded from essential care, with financial hardship and systemic gaps still standing in the way of universal health coverage.

In this episode, numbered as the 50th of the Social Protection Podcast, we take a close look at Zambia’s National Health Insurance Scheme as a case study for how countries are working to expand social health protection, and what the social protection and health sectors can learn from each other to achieve the shared goal of universal coverage.

Meet our guests:

•  Herryman Moono, Director of Research, Planning & Strategy at the National Health Insurance Management Authority of Zambia
•  Lou Tessier, Health Protection Specialist at the International Labour Organization (ILO)

For our Quick Wins segment, we speak with Peter Ombasa, Senior Social Protection Specialist and Assistant Director of Children's Services of the Government of Kenya, about the USP2030 Joint Statement: Key messages on Social Protection for the World Social Summit 2025.

Resources:

Blog post | Social Protection for Health and Wellbeing

Publication | Towards Universal Health Coverage: Social Health Protection Principles

Publication | World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal social protection for climate action and a just transition

Publication | Financing gap for universal social protection: Global, regional and national estimates and strategies for creating fiscal space

Publication | Universal social security is feasible in low-income countries: a critical review of the ILO’s calculations on the cost of bridging the gap

Podcast | Think Change episode 70: how can development financing be reformed? The road to Seville

In conflict settings, ensuring that social protection is responsive, durable, and conflict-sensitive is critical, yet often underexplored. In this episode, we delve into the intersections between humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, and peacebuilding – the so-called "Triple Nexus" – and how social protection fits within it.

We examine how social protection actors, humanitarian agencies and peacebuilding specialists can work together to strengthen resilience, foster stability, and avoid exacerbating conflict. Our guests explore lessons from contexts like Ethiopia and Ukraine, the complexities of targeting and accountability, and the political dimensions of social protection in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

This marks the third and final episode of the "Social Protection in Conflict and Protracted Crisis" series, produced by socialprotection.org, organised by STAAR Facility and BASIC Research and in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, which has funded the series and provided invaluable support in shaping the episodes and connecting us with guests.

Meet our guests:

• Ric Goodman – Director, Social Protection and Resilience, DAI Global UK
• Rachel Goldwyn – Senior Conflict Sensitivity and Social Safeguards Advisor, WFP Sudan
• Lukáš Voborský – Team Leader, Technical Assistance Facility of the PeReHID Initiative

For our Quick Wins segment, we welcome Hassan-Alattar Satti, independent researcher and consultant, who shares key resources on maintaining social protection in conflict settings, focusing on lessons from Sudan.

Resources:

• Publication | Maintaining and strengthening social assistance systems in conflict settings: Sudan case study
• Publication | Effective Social Protection in Conflict: Findings from Sudan
• Blog | Towards a conflict-sensitive role for grassroot organisations in social protection in Sudan

The need for greater ‘localisation’ of humanitarian and social assistance is clear in conflict and protracted crisis settings. The increasing difficulty for international organisations to operate is a key driver of localisation, as is the recognition of the essential role local actors (including government and civil society) play in improving the relevance, legitimacy, sustainability and effectiveness of aid. For social protection programs, the role of government as a local actor may be particularly complex or contested in these settings. This episode will explore the progress and challenges of this shift towards localisation, and how local organisations in Yemen and Southeast Asia have stepped up where international or government systems are weak.

Meet our guests:

• Abeer Al-Absi, Independent Consultant, STAAR Facility and BASIC Research
• Aung Naing, Research Consultant

For our Quick Wins segment, we welcome Courtenay Cabot Venton, where she talks about the study ‘Passing the Buck: The Economics of Localizing International Assistance’ with the Share Trust and the Warande Advisory Centre.

Resources:

• Humanitarian Activism, Social Protection, and Emergent Citizenship in Myanmar
• Sustaining Yemeni Capacities for Social Assistance

In times of conflict and protracted crises, social protection systems are often strained, yet they remain vital in supporting the most vulnerable populations. In this episode, we examine how gender-responsive social protection can mitigate the impact of crises on women, children, and other marginalised groups.

This episode examines the specific vulnerabilities of women and marginalised groups in these settings, the ways social protection programs are adapting to complex and evolving challenges, and key lessons for sustaining and expanding social protection in fragile contexts. We also explore the case of Lebanon, a country facing a multifaceted socio-economic crisis, compounded by political instability, refugee influx, and conflict.

This marks the first episode of our new three-part series on "Social Protection in Conflict and Protracted Crisis", produced by socialprotection.org in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, which has funded the series and provided invaluable support in shaping the episodes and connecting us with guests.

Meet our guests:

• Rachel Sabates-Wheeler – Professorial Research Fellow & Director of the Centre for Social Protection at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS)
• Rima Al-Mokdad – Technical Specialist on Social Protection, Data & Research at UN Women in Lebanon

For our Quick Wins segment, we welcome Buumba Chityaba, a Human Rights Governance Specialist, to discuss the key takeaways from the recent Roadmap for the Use of Social Protection to Tackle Child Marriage in Zambia report.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and social protection systems are no exception. From improving targeting and service delivery to enabling predictive interventions, AI has the potential to make social protection and humanitarian programs smarter and more responsive. But with these opportunities come significant challenges: data privacy concerns, biases in algorithms, and the risk of reducing human oversight in critical decision-making processes.

In this episode, we explore how AI is being integrated into social protection systems globally, aiming to address pressing questions such as: How can AI enhance social protection without compromising fairness and accountability? What safeguards are needed to ensure that data remains secure and ethical principles are upheld?

Meet our guest:

• Thomas Byrnes, Humanitarian & Social Protection Consultant, Founder and Director of MarketImpact

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Ralf Radermacher, Head of Programme, Social Protection, at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, sharing some key takeaways from the ‘AI for Social Protection’ workshop, which took place from 19–21 November 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Resources:

Publication | Harnessing the Transformative Potential of Generative AI for Humanitarian Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance Opportunities, Risks, Barriers, and Recommendations

Publication | How AI is Transforming Humanitarian Aid: Insights for Market-Based Professionals

Publication | Novissi Togo: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Deliver Shock-Responsive Social Protection

Join us for the 2024 Year in Review episode of the Social Protection Podcast!

In this year’s special (and final) episode, we delved into pivotal discussions and transformative insights that shaped the evolving landscape of social protection. From the growing recognition of social protection’s role in responding to climate change, to exploring gender-responsive approaches, and rethinking program designs in the face of crises, this episode revisits the most influential ideas and critical debates of the year. 

Reflecting on conversations with eminent thinkers, we reflect on the progress, challenges, and innovative practices that have defined the field of social protection in 2024.

Meet our guest:

• Dr Keetie Roelen, Senior Research Fellow in Poverty and Social Protection at The Open University.

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Patricia Velloso, Knowledge Management Officer at UNICEF, and Marina Brunale, Growth and Engagement Officer at the Global Landscapes Forum, to reflect on the trajectory of the Social Protection Podcast, as well as the year that has passed.

Resources:

Publcation | World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal social protection for climate action and a just transition

Publcation | The Untapped Potential of Global Climate Funds for Investing in Social Protection

Publication | World Survey on the Role of Women in Development 2024

Publication | Gender-Responsive Age-Sensitive Social Protection: A conceptual framework

Publication | IDS Bulletin: Reimagining Social Protection

Publication | Thinking afresh: Closing the global funding gap to realise universal social protection

Publication | Anti/Postwork Feminist Politics and a Case for Basic Income

Event Recording | For a just transition in adaptation: The role of social protection in the Global Goal on Adaptation

Event Recording | Safeguarding Human Development: Mobilizing Climate Finance for Social Protection

Referenced Episodes:

Ep. 4 | Bolsa Familia | Flagship Special Episode

Ep. 30 | Impacts of Social Protection

Ep. 36 | Gender-Transformative Social Protection

Emerging Trends in the Indo-Pacific Series Ep. 03 | The Future of Climate Change and Social Protection Responses

Ep. 41 | The Evolution of Universal Basic Income: From Pilots to Policy

Bonus ep. | Partnerships for Social Protection: bridging divides, driving change

Ep. 43 | World Social Protection Report 2024-26

Ep. 44 | Social Registries and Beyond

Data and information systems are fundamental building blocks of social protection programmes. They all need a process and a mechanism for collecting, storing and processing data. However, developing these registries presents enormous challenges. Especially in finding ways for these to become truly dynamic, so that social protection systems can respond effectively to peoples’ changing circumstances, such as in the face of shocks. This is perhaps one of the greatest hurdles facing the sector.

In this episode, we’ll cut through the terminology and periodic controversy to talk about how these information systems work, and how to make them work better.

Meet our guests:

• Rodrigo Assumpção, President of DataPrev (Brazil)
• Valentina Barca, Independent Social Protection Expert

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Gabrielle Smith, Independent consultant and member of the STAAR Facility.

Episode resources:

Publication | Implementation Guide – Good Practices For Ensuring Data Protection And Privacy In Social Protection Systems

Publication | Passing the Buck: The Economics of Localizing International Aid

The World Social Protection Report is the ILO's flagship publication, offering an in-depth look at the state of social protection globally. The 2024-26 edition focuses on universal social protection as a key factor for just transitions and climate action. In this episode, we dive into the latest findings, exploring both the progress made and the gaps that remain. Our conversation covers how countries are working towards expanding social protection to address climate adaptation and mitigation. We'll examine Brazil’s and Gambia’s evolving policy landscape, and their ambitions for building and expanding social protection systems. 

Meet our guests: 

• Christina Behrendt, Head of the Social Policy Unit, ILO Universal Social Protection Department 

• Momodou K. Dibba, National Coordinator, National Social Protection Secretariat in the Office of the Vice President, the Gambia 

• Débora Freire, Deputy Secretary for Fiscal Policy, Ministry of Finance, Brazil 

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Naila Kabeer, Professor of Gender and Development at the Department of International Development, LSE. 

Episode resources: 

• Publication | World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal social protection for climate action and a just transition  

• Publication | World survey on the role of women in development 2024 - summary of key issues that will be covered in the report 

In the dynamic landscape of social protection, partnerships and collaborations serve as vital pillars of strength, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

September marks the ninth anniversary of socialprotection.org. This year, we are celebrating partnerships for social protection throughout the month by highlighting the significance of alliances in amplifying social impact and ensuring inclusivity through key partnerships, instruments, and interagency mechanisms such as the Social Protection Inter-Agency Cooperation Board (SPIAC-B), the Global Partnership for Universal Social Protection (USP 2030), the G20, and the socialprotection.org platform itself.

In this bonus episode, we invited representatives from the ILO and the World Bank, who co-chair SPIAC-B and USP 2030, to discuss the importance of partnerships in navigating diverse perspectives and policies within global social protection. They speak candidly about the sometimes heated policy differences and debates within the sector and the importance of collaboration in bridging these divides and driving the progressive expansion of social protection worldwide.

It's a wide-ranging conversation about how far the sector has come and the significant challenges it will need to grapple with in the future.

Meet our guests:

• Shahra Razavi, Director of the Universal Social Protection Department, International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Iffath Sharif, Global Director for Social Protection and Jobs, World Bank Group 

Episode Resources:

• Publication | Social Protection in the Developing World
• Publication | Report of the Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights 2019

In this episode, we delve into the world of social protection with one of its foremost experts, Professor Armando Barrientos, Emeritus Professor of Poverty and Social Justice at the Global Development Institute, University of Manchester.

We discuss his groundbreaking new book, Social Protection in Latin America, and explore the argument that social protection systems or institutions are not just safety nets but also mechanisms of stratification. We also talked about what that means, why it matters, and how it shapes the lives of millions across the region.

Finally, we also examine the crucial role of politics in shaping social protection and debate whether Latin America should aspire to the European model of a welfare state. From the Latin American innovative approaches to their global influence and the future of social protection, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of social justice and public policy.

Episode resources:

• Book | Social Protection in Latin America. Causality, Stratification and Outcomes
• Task Force | Global Alliance against Poverty and Hunger
• Publication | The relationship between cash-based interventions and violence: A systematic review and evidence map

Across the world, interest for universal social protection mechanisms has skyrocketed, in particular following the pandemic and its transversal effects on the poor, vulnerable and not so vulnerable populations. Social assistance mechanisms such as child benefits or elderly pensions have already had a history of encompassing the entire group with universal mechanisms in some countries; however, universal basic income (UBI) schemes are still in the stage of theoretical and policy discussion, without having been set up.

In this context, Brazil is an interesting case: in 2004, Brazil adopted a law that establishes a “Renda Básica de Cidadania” (Basic citizenship income). That effort was pushed by its rapporteur, Mr. Eduardo Matarazzo Suplicy, who was a senator at the time and a vigorous UBI advocate to this day. In this podcast episode, we will talk about how the Basic citizenship income came to be, the possible advantages of adopting an UBI, the main challenges and what lessons have been learned with the recent discussions on the theme.

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Jurgen de Wispelaere, discussing his recently launched publication at the International Social Security Review, a Specia Issue called ‘Emergency basic income: Distraction or opportunity’.

Meet our guests:

• Eduardo Suplicy, State Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo
• Jurgen De Wispelaere, IPR Policy Fellow, Institute for Policy Research, University of Bath

Episode Resources:

• Publication: Special Issue: Themed double issue: Emergency basic income: Distraction or opportunity

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global effort across a wide range of areas in which countries are working to achieve the targets set out by the international community. Social Protection can play a role in contributing to most of the SDGs. To ensure objectives are reached, building and using evidence as well as applying the necessary analytical tools are important to discuss.

In this episode we examine if investments in social protection could help accelerate progress towards the SDGs. We talk about the role of research, evaluation, and advocacy in driving change for policies and programmes towards achieving this ambitious agenda.

Meet our guests:

• Tayllor Spadafora, Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa regional office.
• Michala Assankpon, Regional Evaluation Officer at the WFP regional bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean.

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Laurel Patterson, Director for the SDG Integration at UNDP.

Episode Resources:

• Publication | Regional Evaluation of WFP’S contribution to Shock-Responsive Social Protection in Latin America and the Caribbean (2015–2022)
• Publication | WFP Evaluation – Summary of Evidence. Social Protection.  
• Publication | Impact Evaluation Report External Evaluation of the Mchinji Social Cash Transfer Pilot
• Publication | Ghana LEAP 1000 Programme: Endline Evaluation Report
• Programme Profile| A Cash Plus Model for Safe Transitions to a Healthy and Productive Adulthood
• Website | SDG Push

Throughout the Indo-Pacific region, climate change is already threatening livelihoods and exacerbating poverty. Extreme weather events and rising sea levels are creating new vulnerable populations in unprecedented ways. To tackle climate change, countries will need to undergo major economic and social transformations, which could risk leaving even more people behind.

So, what do these changing risks mean for the way social protection is designed? And what kinds of radical rethinking might be necessary to build systems for the future? In this episode, our guests are grappling with these questions, working to reimagine social protection schemes to confront the realities of a changing climate.

This is the grand finale of a three-part series of the Social Protection Podcast titled "Emerging Trends for Social Protection in the Indo-Pacific," presented by socialprotection.org. We extend our gratitude to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for their invaluable support in shaping this series and facilitating connections with the most suitable guests for each episode.

Meet our guests:

• Sreng Sophornreaksmey, Director of the Policy Department at the General Secretariat for the National Social Protection Council for the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
• Palash Kanti Das, Director of the Ultra-poor Graduation Program for BRAC in Bangladesh.
• Anna McCord, Lead for the Climate Change and Social Protection Research Initiative at the Poverty and Inequality practice.

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Inge Stockl, an independent social protection consultant working on a range of social protection assignments in the Asia Pacific region.

Episode Resources:

• Publication | Fiji Anticipatory Action
• Publication | On the Front Foot: Envisaging a model for anticipatory action in the Pacific.
• Publication | The Economics of Acting Early - Evidence of Climate and Disaster Actions in the Pacific
• Podcast | Emerging Trends in the Indo-Pacific Series Ep. 01 | The Evolution of SP in the Pacific

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As we produced this episode, numerous climate-change related disasters have occurred globally, including incidents in Brazil, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Tanzania, and France.

As you will hear from our guests' discussions in this episode, the impacts of climate change are increasingly evident, leading to more frequent and severe disasters.

In addition to the social protection and humanitarian action provided by different actors, such as governments, NGOs, and international organizations, if you wish to support those affected by these and other natural disasters, please refer to official channels for ways to help. You can also contribute to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund’s Climate Action, which pools contributions from across the globe into a single fund and allocates money to humanitarian partners on the front lines of emergency responses when climate-related disasters strike.

In Southeast Asia the gig economy is growing fast. Attracted by the promise of flexibility, independence, and low entry costs, gig workers offer their services on a task-by-task basis facilitated through a digital platform or app. The appeal of this model has attracted millions of workers in the region, however, unlike traditional employees, gig workers often lack access to essential social protection schemes, such as health insurance, old-age pension, and unemployment benefits.

In this episode, we examine the challenges presented by this new employment trend. Workers often face precarious working conditions which leave them vulnerable to shocks and unexpected events.  We discuss how governments, unions, and the platforms themselves can work to bridge social protection gaps and extend coverage to this growing group.

This is the second episode of a three-part series titled "Emerging trends for Social Protection in the Indo-Pacific", presented by socialprotection.org. We extend our gratitude to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for their invaluable support in shaping this series and facilitating connections with the most suitable guests for each episode.

Meet our guests:

• Brendan Chia, Head, Regional Public Affairs and Policy for Grab.
• Francis Kim Upgi, Director of Economic and Social policy for ITUC
• Yesim Elhan-Kayalar, Advisor, Office of the Chief Economist at ADB

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Cyrus Afshar, Social protection Officer at WIEGO and host of WIEGO’s Informal Economy Podcast.

Episode Resources:

• Publication | Gig Economy Employment during the Pandemic: An Analysis of GrabFood Driver Experiences in the Philippines
• Publication | Social Protection as a Solar System
• Podcast | Informal Economy Podcast
• Publication | Challenges and strategies to increase social protection financing for workers in informal employment
• Webinar | Is social protection to blame for informality?
• Podcast episode | Challenging Global Social Protection Orthodoxies

This episode will explore the ways social protection has evolved in Pacific Island countries, starting with provident funds to the slow growth of lifecycle schemes for the elderly and people with disabilities. It will then look at how the COVID-19 crisis and the impacts of disasters and climate change have changed the way Pacific nations are thinking about social protection. 

This episode will ask, how do governments see the social protection landscape evolving in the future? Will countries continue to take a slow and gradual approach, focused on incremental growth of lifecycle schemes? Or has the growing interest from development partners and the growing pressures of climate change shifted priorities and approaches? 

This marks the inaugural episode of a three-part series focusing on emerging trends for Social Protection in the Indo-Pacific, presented by socialprotection.org. We extend our gratitude to the Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for their invaluable support in shaping this series and facilitating connections with the most suitable guests for each episode. 

Meet our guests:

• Veremo Muria, Director, Fiji’s Department of Social Welfare (MWCSP) 
• Shirin Gul, Technical Specialist for Social Protection, Kiribati's Ministry of Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs (MWYSSA) 
• Karishma Houda, Team Leader, Partnerships for Social Protection (P4SP) 

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Lisa Hannigan, Senior Social Protection Specialist, Australian Government/Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Lisa discusses the significance of dignity in social protection, drawing from discussions and publications on the subject.  

Quick Wins 

• Publication | Crowding-out or crowding-in? Effects of LEAP 1000 unconditional cash transfer program on household and community support among women in rural Ghana

In today's episode, we delve into a pressing topic: the evolving landscape of social protection systems and their critical role in addressing the unique needs of women and girls throughout their lives.

There's a growing recognition of the importance of tailoring social programmes to meet these specific needs, but we're also becoming more aware of how these programmes may inadvertently perpetuate gender norms, assuming women's roles in work and caregiving.

Can social protection systems be a catalyst for change? Can they challenge the very structures and norms that perpetuate gender inequalities?

As we commemorate International Women's Day this month, join us as we explore the concept of gender-transformative social protection. We'll examine how these programmes and systems have the potential to drive transformative change, paving the way for a more equitable future.

Meet our guests:

• Tara Cookson, Canada Research Chair in Gender Development and Global Public Policy, University of British Columbia.
• Maja Gavrilovic, Social Protection Consultant.
• Lauren Whitehead, Social Protection and Gender Lead, UNICEF HQ.

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Tia Palermo, president at Policy Research Solutions—PRESTO, and associate professor at the University of Buffalo. She shared insights and highlights from several recent papers in the field.

Resources

• Publication | Promoting Gender-Transformative Change through Social Protection: An analytical approach
• Publication | Social protection systems and gender: A review of the evidence
• Publication | Changing rural women’s lives through gender transformative social protection: A paper on gender transformative social protection concepts, evidence and practice in the context of food security and nutrition.

 Quick Wins

• Publication | Mapping gender and social protection data
• Publication | Leveraging social protection to support women’s and girls’ climate resilience in low- and middle-income countries
• Publication | Unconditional cash transfers and safe transitions to adulthood in Malawi

Among the decisions made at the last Conference of Parties (COP28), was the establishment of the new Loss and Damage Fund, designed to assist countries most vulnerable to climate change.  We talked to our guests about the structure of this new fund and the possibilities for countries to draw on such climate financing mechanisms to build and enhance their social protection systems.

In this episode, we delved into the role of social protection in supporting major transitions in energy, industry and food systems necessary to reduce carbon emissions and meet global targets, and how social protection systems can support a just transition for all.

Meet our guests:

• Gala Dahlet, Social Protection Officer, FAO.
• Jana Bischler, Technical Officer for Social Protection and Climate Change, ILO.
• Ann Vaughan, Senior Advisor for Climate Change in the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security, USAID.

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Hazel Calderon, the leader of fisheries and aquaculture social protection for FAO, who shared insights and highlights from the latest FAO event on social Protection for fisheries.

Resources

• Publication | The Relevance of Social Protection Systems for the Loss and Damage Fund and Funding Arrangements
• Livestream | Events at the just transition pavilion at COP28

Quick Wins

• Website | Social Protection for Fisheries and Aquaculture (SocPro4Fish)

Join us for our special End-of-Year episode, where we unravel the tapestry of 2023, exploring the critical discussions and ground-breaking studies that shaped the landscape of social protection.

From adaptive social protection initiatives to food security policies, we delve into the hot topics that ignited debates across the globe. Discover the key takeaways from eye-opening studies that explored climate adaptation, social protection impact, and migration. As we bid farewell to 2023, we invite you to reflect on the wins, challenges, and transformative moments that defined the year in social protection.

In the Quick Wins segment, our guest Roberta Brito will highlight the latest content from socialprotection.org's Digest. She will offer a sneak peek into an upcoming piece, providing a glimpse into emerging trends. 

Meet our guests:

• Rodolfo Beazley, Independent Consultant
• Roberta Brito, Researcher, socialprotection.org

Resources:

• Publication | Social Protection in the Developing World
• Compilation | Social Protection Digest #1

In this episode, we’re talking about the G20 – an annual gathering of the world’s largest economies and a major global forum for discussing a wide range of economic issues. In recent years, that has included social protection, a set of policies used by many countries to stabilise economies in the face of successive crises.

Brazil takes over the G20 presidency from India on 1 December 2023. At this crucial moment of handover, we have invited researchers from both countries to talk about how G20 agendas are shaped, how social protection has featured, and their shared goal of expanding the voice of the Global South in this premier international forum.

Meet our guests:

• Jhanvi Tripathi, Associate Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, and Coordinator, Think20 India Secretariat.
• Fábio Veras Soares, Director of International Studies, Institute for Applied Economic Research (Ipea)

For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Carla Mejia, Regional Nutrition Advisor for WFP in Latin America and the Caribbean. We discuss the evidence and impact of social protection interventions on nutrition and food security in light of a recent joint study by WFP, IDS and IFPRI, which proposes an analytical and operational framework linking social protection and better nutrition outcomes.

Resources

• Publication | G20 Policy for Health Systems: Promoting Holistic Outcomes and Addressing Vulnerabilities in Healthcare
• Publication | Leveraging Knowledge Sharing for Social Protection
• Publication | Towards a Robust Social Protection System in the Post Pandemic Era
• Speech | President Lula during Session 2 - One Family of the G20 Summit

Quick Wins

• News | Social Protection Pathways to Nutrition

In 2022, an estimated 100 million people were displaced, and more than 40 million of those were children. Many of these children were displaced for at least five years, often much longer, and most are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, where social protection systems often face many restrictions.

In this episode, we discuss how some countries are taking steps towards extending social protection to displaced children and their families, while slowly building systems for host populations. We examine the consequences of displacement for host countries and host communities, the factors leading to children’s exclusion in these countries, and some examples of programmes taking an integrated approach.

At the end of this episode, in lieu of our usual Quick Wins segment, we're featuring a special update on how cash and voucher assistance is being implemented in the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Meet our guests:

• Christina Lowe, Research Associate at ODI
• Nupur Kukreti, Policy Specialist, and lead on social protection in humanitarian and fragile contexts, UNICEF
• Rana Nassar, Regional Representative in the CALP network in the Middle East and North Africa.

Resources:

• Publication | Strengthening inclusive social protection systems for displaced children and their families.
• Publication | A promise of tomorrow: the effects of UNHCR and UNICEF cash assistance on Syrian refugees in Jordan.
• Publication | Improving social protection for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt: an overview of international practices.

We have launched the Social Protection Digest, a quarterly compilation that brings together practitioner guides, evidence-based studies, and policy and conceptual discussions on a wide range of topics. Carefully hand-picked by our team at socialprotection.org

The digest serves as an essential resource for you to keep up with what's new in social protection. After you have read the Social Protection Digest, let us know what you think by taking our three-minute survey.

In this engaging episode, we delve into the vital concept of accountability within social protection programmes and humanitarian initiatives. Our host, Jo Sharpe, joins experts Suchi Pande and Louisa Feres for a deep dive into why accountability is the lynchpin of programme effectiveness.

Our guests shed light on the fundamental elements of accountability, including communication strategies, outreach efforts, grievance redressal mechanisms, and the crucial role of audits. Louisa provides unique insights into the various ways accountability is perceived and practiced within humanitarian contexts, challenging conventional wisdom.

Join us as we unravel this intricate web that ensures the success of social protection programmes.

Meet our guests:

• Suchi Pande, Scholar in Residence, Accountability Centre, American University
• Louisa Seferis, Independent Humanitarian Practitioner and member, Better Assistance in Crises (BASIC) research team
• Kamilla Adan Hassan, Independent Researcher from Baidoa, Somalia

For the Quick Wins segment:

• Valérie Schmitt, Deputy Director, Social Protection Department, ILO

Resources:

• Accountability in crises: connecting evidence from humanitarian and social protection approaches to social assistance
• Struggles for Accountability in the 2022 Cost-of-living Crisis: Lessons from the Global Protest Wave
• The Politics of Complaint: A Review of the Literature on Grievance Redress Mechanisms in the Global South

Quick Wins

• Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions

This September marks the eighth anniversary of socialprotection.org, and we are celebrating across the platform by looking at social protection and its impacts.

This episode features a wide-ranging discussion on this theme, what we know about what social protection can do and how that evidence has influenced policy, practice and the global spread of ideas to shape the sector into what it is today.

In the Quick Wins segment, we preview our Humans of Social Protection series, in which people who benefit from social protection programmes tell their own stories of how they have impacted their lives.

It is estimated that around 418 million children benefit from school meals—around 41 per cent of children enrolled in primary school, a figure that has been increasing despite interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a social protection mechanism, school-feeding programmes play a crucial role for children and families, especially when combined with local procurement policies for local smallholder farmers.

In this episode, we discuss how school feeding programmes impact vulnerable households and smallholder farmers, as well as how better to combine these two aspects in home-grown school feeding initiatives. We also explore the role of international cooperation in sharing experiences and advancing good practices.

The value of unpaid care and domestic work has been estimated at around 11 trillion US dollars—roughly 9 per cent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP)—while low-paid domestic workers make up more than 20 per cent of the global care workforce. Social protection mechanisms can play a major role in achieving a balance between increasing access to high-quality care and reducing gender inequalities resulting from unpaid care work.

This episode focuses on how social protection mechanisms, particularly social care services, can help ameliorate the inequities involved in care work, including access, recognition and remuneration.

Meet our guests:

• Silke Staab, Research Specialist at UN Women
• Adriana Paz Ramírez, Latin America Regional Coordinator for the International Domestic Workers Federation

Resources:

• Child Care Services and Women’s Work
• UN Women. 2023. Innovations in Childcare to Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment
• UN Women. 2022. Increase Women’s Economic Empowerment by Transforming the Care Economy. Economic Justice and Rights Action Coalition, Economic Empowerment Section of UN Women.

For our Quick Wins segment, Ralf Radermacher, Head of the Social Protection Sector Initiative at GIZ, shared some key takeaways from the Global Forum on Adaptive Social Protection, a 3-day event that gathered policymakers, practitioners, and social protection experts to jointly examine and discuss the scope and potential of ASP to foster resilience and promote adaptation.

Quick Wins Resource

• Event | Global Forum on Adaptive Social Protection - Opening and Closing Sessions | World Bank Live

Adaptive Social Protection is an area of social protection that aims to build resilience of poor and vulnerable households by developing their capacity to prepare for, cope with, and adapt to shocks. In this episode, we are looking at adaptive and shock-responsive social protection in action in some of the most disaster-affected parts of the world.

We talk about how ASP can help build the resilience of households and enable people to take anticipatory actions before the onset of a shock. We draw from experiences in the Philippines and the Caribbean to learn how programmes can contribute to this type of approach, what is the importance of building appropriate registries and information systems, and what kind of financial instruments are put in place to funding ASP responses.

Meet our Guests:

• Riyad Katkhoda, Social Protection & Cash-Based Lead at the Caribbean Multi-country Office for the United Nations World Food Program
• Rosela Agcaoili, Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF Philippines

For our ‘’Quick Wins’’ segment, James Jumba, Independent Consultant, who previously worked as a Social security prosecutor at the National Social Security Fund in Kenya and is a former socialprotection.org Ambassador, shares with us the highlights of the Kenya Social Protection Conference and how Kenya could benefit for more resilience building approaches to climate risks.

Episode Links:

• E-learning | Micro-course series on Adaptive Social Protection
• Publication | Joint reviews for Adaptive Social Protection Systems - A working paper
• Publication | Adaptive Social Protection: Building Resilience to Shocks
• Publication | Strengthening Resilience through Social Protection Programs: Guidance Note
• Publication | Disaster Risk Finance for Adaptive Social Protection
• Publication | Adaptive Social Protection – The delivery chain and shock response
• Publication | Building on government systems for shock preparedness and response: The role of social assistance data and information systems

Quick Wins Links

• Event | The Kenya Social Protection Conference 2023
• Publication | Building resilience to climate risks through social protection: from individualised models to systemic transformation

Additionally, do not forget to take your time through our 5-minute annual satisfaction survey and register for the upcoming Global Forum on Adaptive Social Protection.

In this episode, our guests focus on the role of active labour market policies (ALMPs) in guaranteeing, supporting or even creating income-generation activities. Among other topics, we discuss the possible role of ALMPs in reducing informality in developing countries, and how well-integrated they are with other social protection mechanisms such as social insurance and social security. 

Guests for this episode include: 

• Veronica Escudero, Senior Economist, ILO 
• Denni Pusba Purbasari, Executive Director, PMO Prakerja 

• Jean Claude Muhire, Rwanda Program Director, Ultra-Poor Graduation Initiative (UPGI)

In the “Quick Wins” segment, Jean Claude Muhire, Rwanda Programme Director for the Ultra-Poor Graduation Initiative, BRAC, explains how ‘Graduation’ approaches, famous for being implemented in Bangladesh and Southeast Asia, are now being implemented in different contexts such as in Rwanda.

Quick Wins links: 

Article: https://oecd-development-matters.org/2022/06/27/how-graduation-can-complement-social-protection-for-women-in-extreme-poverty/  

https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2023/01/04/strengthening-social-protection-systems-in-rwanda-to-increase-resilience-and-build-human-capital#:~:text=Rwanda%20struggled%2C%20however%2C%20to%20translate,percent%20of%20the%20total%20population  

In this episode of the "Social Protection for Prevention of and Response to Gender-based Violence" series, our guests talk about how social protection schemes can provide assistance to people fleeing gender-based violence. These people are vulnerable and may need many kinds of support.

We look at examples of programmes providing cash support for survivors of domestic violence, as well as those that facilitate access to other services, such as referral pathways, healthcare, housing, etc.

Guests for this episode include:

• Tara Patricia Cookson, Assistant Professor of Gender, Development and Global Public Policy at the University of British Columbia and co-founder of Ladysmith;
• Merike Blofield, Director of the Institute for Latin American Studies at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies and Professor of Political Science at the University of Hamburg; and
• Gerson Nombora, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Mozambique.

In the “Quick Wins” segment, Mayra Cardozo, a Brazilian lawyer and gender researcher, member of the National Human Rights Commission of the Federal Council of the National Bar Association of Brazil and Professor of Criminal Law at EPD, shares some of the findings of her research on the programmes in place in Brazil that help women and children who are survivors of domestic violence.

The joint webinar and podcast series "Social Protection for Prevention of and Response to Gender-Based Violence" is produced by socialprotection.org and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Tune in for the first webinar of the series, Girls Deserve Better: Countering Violence Against Adolescents through Social Protection, taking place on 28 March at 8.30 AM EDT.

Episode links:

Webinar: Harnessing Social Protection the Address Violence against Women and Girls

Book: Unjust Conditions: Women’s Work and the Hidden Cost of Cash Transfer Programs

Publication: A diagonal and social protection plus approach to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 syndemic: cash transfers and intimate partner violence interventions in Latin America

Article: UNICEF Mozambique shows how 'cash and care' accelerate child well-being

Quick Wins link:

Article: Financial Support for Victims of Domestic Violence in Brazil

In this episode of the "Social Protection for Prevention of and Response to Gender-Based Violence" series, our guests discuss how economic factors can drive gender-based violence at the community level, and why this is important for social protection programming. The focus is on designing social protection programmes that can prevent gender-based violence against women and people with diverse gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations (SOGIESC).

The guests draw on available evidence and practical experience to discuss various aspects of the social protection delivery chain, including targeting, registration, payment, and the unique risks and issues related to people with diverse SOGIESC.

Guests for this episode include Shalini Roy, Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and Emily Dwyer, Founder and Co-Director of Edge Effect.

In the "Quick Wins" segment, two guests from the World Bank—Alessandra Heinemann, Social Protection Specialist, and Gender Lead, and Palak Rawal, Gender and Social Protection Consultant—offer practical advice on designing social protection programmes that can safeguard and prevent gender-based violence. They also share additional resources for further reading on the topic.

The joint webinar and podcast series "Social Protection for Prevention of and Response to Gender-Based Violence" is produced by socialprotection.org and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Tune in for the first webinar of the series, Girls Deserve Better: Countering Violence Against Adolescents through Social Protection, taking place on 28 March at 8.30 AM EDT.

Episode links:

• Publication: Cash transfers and intimate partner violence: A research view on design and implementation for risk mitigation and prevention
• Publication: We don’t do a lot for them specifically: A scoping report on gaps and opportunities for improving diverse SOGIESC inclusion in cash transfer and social protection programs, during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond
• Podcast: How can social protection impact gender-based violence?

Quick Wins links

• Publication: Safety first: How to leverage social safety nets to prevent gender-based violence
• Online course: How to leverage social safety nets to prevent gender-based violence
• Publication: Invisible women: exposing data bias in a world designed for men

Kicking off the three-part series ‘’Social Protection for Prevention of and Response to Gender-Based Violence’’, this episode presents a deep dive into what we know about the impacts of social protection on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and some of the remaining knowledge gaps. We look at economic empowerment programmes and how they can help reduce economic stress and challenge gender norms that often drive violence in community settings. 

Drawing from the available evidence, our guests were also invited to reflect on both the positive pathways through which social protection can contribute to reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) and the possibility of it introducing risks of increased violence. Finally, as some food for thought, what would a feminist social protection policy look like?  

Our guests for this episode: 

• Ana Maria Buller, Associate Professor in Social Sciences and Director of the Gender Violence and Health Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 
• Lusajo Kajula, Principal Investigator, UNICEF Office of Research - Innocenti 
• Amber Peterman, Research Associate Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

For our ‘Quick Wins’ segment, Wessel van den Berg (MenCare Officer at Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice) talks about ways to engage men in the dialogue around gender norms and roles as part of a gender transformative approach. What does this entail for social protection? 

The ‘’Social Protection for Prevention of and Response to Gender-Based Violence’’ series is produced by socialprotection.org and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), with the support from UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). 

Episode links:

A mixed-method review of cash transfers and intimate partner violence in low- and middle-income countries

Effects of Government-Implemented Cash Plus Model on Violence Experiences and Perpetration Among Adolescents in Tanzania

Government of Ethiopia's public works and complementary programmes: A mixed-methods study on pathways to reduce intimate partner violence

Public Work Programs and Gender-Based Violence : Evidence from Lao PDR

Domestic violence and workfare: An evaluation of India’s MGNREGS

Can transfers and behavior change communication reduce intimate partner violence four years post-program? Experimental evidence from Bangladesh

Public Work and Private Violence

Cash Transfer and IPV Research Collaborative

Transfer Project

Quick Wins links:

Applying a Masculinities Lens to the Gendered Impacts of Social Safety Nets

MenCare: A Global Fatherhood Campaign

State of South Africa’s Fathers 2021

Gender-transformative Bandebereho couples’ intervention to promote male engagement in reproductive and maternal health and violence prevention in Rwanda: Findings from a randomized controlled trial

A cluster randomized-controlled trial of a community mobilization intervention to change gender norms and reduce HIV risk in rural South Africa