Shows
Social Protection PodcastEp. 58 | Ending Hunger and Poverty: The Role of the Global AllianceThe 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 Allia...
2026-02-0646 min
Social Protection PodcastTRANSFORM Series Ep. 3 | Institutionalising TRANSFORM as a Primary Social Protection PackageIn 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, w...
2026-01-2039 min
Social Protection PodcastTRANSFORM Series Ep. 2 | Promoting a Culture of Social Protection in AfricaIn 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 gue...
2025-12-1633 min
Progress, Potential, and Possibilities Podcast / ShowThe Fight for Older Persons’ Rights: A UN Update with Dr. Claudia Mahler - United Nations Independent Expert on the Human Rights of Older PersonsSend a textDr. Claudia Mahler, Ph.D. is the United Nations Independent Expert on the Human Rights of Older Persons ( https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/ie-older-persons/ms-claudia-mahler-independent-expert-enjoyment-all-human-rights-older-persons ). Dr. Mahler holds a law degree and a doctorate from Leopold‑Franzens‑Universität Innsbruck in Austria, and has spent over two decades researching and advocating for human rights. She has worked extensively on economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as minority rights, asylum law, and social protection, bringing a deep expertise in the legal and policy frameworks that protect vulnerable populations.Before joinin...
2025-12-1355 minSocial Protection PodcastEp.57 | Rethinking Poverty, Power, and Social Protection: a Conversation with Olivier De Schutter, UN Special RapporteurIn 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 wi...
2025-12-1146 min
IA Personal Coach Podcast80/20: O Pareto Social — e a escolha entre propósito ou sobrevivência.Neste episódio, exploramos um conceito que pode moldar as próximas décadas: o Pareto Social — a possibilidade de que 20% da população produza quase toda a riqueza, enquanto 80% dependa de renda universal ou programas de transferência, impulsionada pelo avanço exponencial da IA, automação e robótica.Falamos sobre produtividade, propósito, desigualdade, futuro do trabalho, renda básica universal, inteligência artificial substituindo empregos e o impacto psicológico disso para o indivíduo.Mais importante: discutimos como essa estrutura não é um destino inevitável.É uma escolha — e você pode decidir se va...
2025-11-2517 minSocial Protection PodcastEp.56 | Social Protection Myths and Misperceptions Part 2 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 redu...
2025-11-1449 min
Social Protection PodcastTRANSFORM Series Ep. 1 | Social Protection Capacity Building in Africa: 10 Years of TRANSFORM
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 th...
2025-10-2850 minSocial Protection PodcastEp.55 | World Summit for Social Development 2025: a New Chapter for Social Protection?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...
2025-10-2441 minSocial Protection PodcastBonus ep. | Social Protection in Gaza: Delivering Support Under SiegeIn 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, S...
2025-10-1427 min
Change NarrativesPart 3: Beyond Systems — Sustainability, Mentorship, and the Human Side of Social Impact with Ubah Thomas UbahIn this final part of our conversation, Ubah Thomas Ubah reflects on what makes social impact last. We go beyond policies and systems to talk about sustainability, financing, and the foundations that outlive any single project — the social registry, digital payments, and long-term government commitment.But we also get personal: Ubah opens up about what keeps him going outside of work — mentoring young people, supporting displaced girls through WINGS, and why education and skills remain his most powerful tools for change. We even learn about his love for dancing and his view of “good social impact” as somethin...
2025-10-0314 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 54 | Social Protection Myths and Misperceptions Part 1Is 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...
2025-09-2941 min
Change NarrativesNavigating Barriers and Creating Sustainable Social Impact — with Ubah Thomas Ubah (Part 1)Creating sustainable impact is never straightforward. It’s about understanding vested interests, building trust, and leading with humility.In Part 1 of our conversation, Ubah Thomas Ubah (Senior Social Protection Specialist, World Bank) shares how change really happens — not by imposing solutions, but by putting people first. In this episode you’ll hear:1. How vested interests quietly shape decisions and outcomes2. Why humility and emotional intelligence often matter more than expertise3. What “people first” means in practice when designing programs that last4. How human-centered design connects technology with social pro...
2025-09-1929 minSocial Protection PodcastEp. 53 | Social Protection over the Past Decade (and 10 years of socialprotection.org!)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 d...
2025-09-0250 minSocial Protection PodcastEp. 52 | Integrating Social Protection into National Climate PoliciesIn 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...
2025-07-3138 minSocial Protection PodcastEp. 51 | Financing for Social Protection: Turning Commitments into Action
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 n...
2025-06-2041 min
What The Theory#PPJ A Family AffairAs natural as the idea of family feels, we also notice it's a historical, cultural and social creation... With such a diverse array of ways we live especially as Africans, we explore the idea of whether there can be an ideal family.What part does religion play in this definition and better yet what are the political implications of who we define as family..Resources on your reading on family RESOURCES: Interparliamentary Conference on Family Values and National Sovereignty: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jCTP... https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ogw8......
2025-06-161h 32
Social Protection PodcastEp. 50 | Towards Universal, Inclusive Social Health Protection
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.
...
2025-05-3041 min
Social Protection PodcastSocial Protection in Conflict and Protracted Crisis Series Ep. 3 | Humanitarian, Development & Peace Nexus ApproachIn 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...
2025-04-3043 min
Social Protection PodcastSocial Protection in Conflict and Protracted Crisis Series Ep. 2 | Localisation and local social protection systems in conflict and crisisThe 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 Sout...
2025-03-2744 min
Social Protection PodcastSocial Protection in Conflict and Protracted Crisis Series Ep. 1 | Women and Other Marginalised Groups in Fragile ContextsIn 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...
2025-02-2845 minSocial Protection PodcastEp. 46 | Harnessing AI for Social Protection: opportunities and risks
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...
2025-01-1035 minSocial Protection PodcastEp. 45 | Looking Back on Social Protection in 2024Join 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 fie...
2024-12-0546 minSocial Protection PodcastEp. 44 | Social Registries and BeyondData 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...
2024-11-0744 minSocial Protection PodcastEp. 43 | World Social Protection Report 2024-26
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 o...
2024-10-0346 min
The KenyanistThe History of Social Protection in KenyaThe aim of social protection policies is to protect the social wellbeing of people. Thistakes many forms including cash transfer programs to vulnerable groups, universal healthcare, feeding programs, and others. In Kenya, and to a large extent the global south, social protection policies sometimes seem to be a trade off between donor interests and what the people need.
This begs the question, how sustainable are these programs when they are influenced by international actors? African countries are all too familiar with the impact of the Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) that were implemented by governments in the 1980’s. He...
2024-09-1748 minSocial Protection PodcastBonus ep. | Partnerships for Social Protection: bridging divides, driving changeIn 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...
2024-09-1339 minSocial Protection PodcastEp. 42 | Social Protection in Latin America: Stratification, Politics and InfluencesIn 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...
2024-09-0639 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 41 | The Evolution of Universal Basic Income: From Pilots to PolicyAcross 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...
2024-08-0643 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 40 | SDGs, Social Protection and Evidence BuildingThe 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...
2024-07-0535 min
Social Protection PodcastEmerging Trends in the Indo-Pacific Series Ep. 3 | The Future of Climate Change and Social Protection ResponsesThroughout 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...
2024-05-3147 min
Social Protection PodcastEmerging Trends in the Indo-Pacific Series Ep. 2 | Social Protection for Gig Workers in Southeast AsiaIn 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...
2024-04-2646 min
Social Protection PodcastEmerging Trends in the Indo-Pacific Series Ep. 1 | The Evolution of SP in the Pacific
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 i...
2024-03-2742 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 36 | Gender-Transformative Social ProtectionIn 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...
2024-03-0143 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 35 | Exploring COP28: Supporting Just Transition through Social Protection
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 c...
2024-02-0240 min
Informal Economy Podcast: Social Protection#36 Digitization and Registration In South AfricaAnd we start the year with the first episode of the second building block of our new season, in which we will discuss the issue of registration. How is digital technology helping to include informal workers into social protection schemes or how is it creating new barriers for these people to access protection? What are the risks and opportunities? What is the role of informal workers organisations in building more inclusive registration systems?
These are some of the questions we will try to answer by looking at some cases of programmes and policies countries are implementing to expand their social...
2024-01-0928 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 34 | Looking Back on Social Protection in 2023Join 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...
2023-12-1441 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 33 | Shaping the G20 Agenda: Social Protection, Development and Global Priorities
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 expand...
2023-11-2439 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 32 | Children on the MoveIn 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 so...
2023-10-2749 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 31 | Accountability in Social Protection and Humanitarian ContextsIn 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...
2023-09-2839 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 30 | Impacts of Social ProtectionThis 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...
2023-08-3139 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 29 | Home-Grown School Feeding ProgrammesIt 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...
2023-07-2734 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 28 | Care Economy: Reducing Unpaid Work and InequalityThe 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 o...
2023-06-2941 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 27 | Resilience Building through Adaptive Social Protection
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...
2023-06-0139 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 26 | Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Active Labour Market PoliciesIn 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...
2023-04-2737 min
Informal Economy Podcast: Social Protection#32 Challenging Global Social Protection Orthodoxies - part 2In 2021, WIEGO has launched the project “Challenging the global orthodoxies which undermine Universal Social Protection”. In a nutshell, the project aimed to examine some of the dominant ideas in the field of social protection that were hindering the concrete inclusion of informal workers in these schemes.
Exactly one year ago, I invited the coordinator of this project, Florian Juergens-Grant, to talk about what this project was about and its research perspectives for that year. You can check our conversation on episode 26 of our podcast.
Now that the project has just been finalized, I invited Florian again to discuss the main find...
2023-04-2530 min
Social Protection PodcastGBV Series Ep. 3 | Addressing and Supporting Survivors of Violence through Social ProtectionIn 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...
2023-03-3039 min
Social Protection PodcastGBV Series Ep. 2 | Designing Social Protection to Safeguard and Mitigate against Gender-Based Violence
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...
2023-03-1638 min
Social Protection PodcastGBV Series Ep. 1 | How Can Social Protection Impact Gender-Based Violence?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 possi...
2023-02-2436 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 22 | Digital Financial InclusionThe COVID-19 crisis has led to an acceleration in electronic payments of social protection benefits through individual bank accounts or mobile money. According to one global estimate, 80 million women opened accounts for the first time during the pandemic to receive government payments. Digital payments have long been seen as the first step towards improving people's financial inclusion and, by extension, their financial health.
In this episode, we discuss the idea of unbanked individuals gaining access to banking services and digital transactions, financial literacy, and savings options, and how this contributes to insurance, remittances, and other aspects. We al...
2023-01-2634 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 21 | Looking Back at Social Protection in 2022After 2 years of COVID-19-dominated headlines, record inflation rates, and climate events taking centre stage in the global debate, it comes as no surprise that social protection might be called on to respond to these multifaceted crises. But can we forecast what the future of social protection might hold based on its latest developments?
For the final episode of the year, we invited Ugo Gentilini, Global Lead for Social Assistance at the World Bank, for a wide-ranging interview looking back at the main social protection themes in 2022. Among other topics, we talk about persisting myths, pathways for u...
2022-12-1544 min
Social Protection PodcastEp.20 | Addressing Climate Risks through Social Protection
In the aftermath of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27) and the important debates that followed, this episode discusses the relevance of social protection as an actionable strategy for climate action.
This year was marked by severe climate events and risks, with a rise in heatwaves, floods, droughts, and wildfires, leading to significant effects on those most vulnerable to environmental hazards. Many no longer perceive climate change as a future threat, but rather as a pressing reality that places countless people at risk of deteriorating living conditions and even losing their livelihoods.
How can soci...
2022-11-2436 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 19 | Mind the Nutrition GapSocial protection can play an important role in ensuring that poor and vulnerable people meet their nutritional needs. What are the factors at play? This episode helps explain how social protection can contribute to improving food security and reducing the nutrition gap.
While the adequacy of social protection interventions seems to be at the forefront of the discussion, the state of food systems and prices must also be considered. On average, social protection covers only 5-10 per cent of household food costs. With food prices surging to record levels over the past two years, this has become...
2022-10-2737 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 18 | Social protection, sustainability and fisheriesThe UN General Assembly has declared 2022 as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA 2022) to enhance global awareness and promote collaboration around the theme. To provide guidance for related initiatives, the IYAFA Action Plan was structured around seven pillars, including social and environmental sustainability. Social protection can provide valuable contributions to all of them.
In this episode, our guests were invited to reflect on the role of social protection in covering vulnerable fisheries and fish workers against various social and climate-related risks and uncertainties. They also shared country case examples and reflected on some of t...
2022-09-2935 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 17 | Social protection as an SDG acceleratorIn this episode, we are talking about social protection and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent triple crisis of food, energy and finance have set back progress towards the SDGs. Social protection is seen as an SDG accelerator that can contribute to many, even most of the SDG targets from ending poverty and hunger to improving gender equality and access to health and education, and even tackling inequality and climate change.
But can we make enough progress in the time left to achieve the SDGs?
Our guest on...
2022-09-0133 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 16 | The trade-offs of targetingTargeting is one of the most widely debated topics in social protection. Who should receive support from social protection systems? How do we identify the ‘right’ people, and reach them?
The way countries choose to target programmes involves weighing up a complex set of issues, including cost and coverage, the likely degree of ‘error’ over who is excluded and included, the need to respond dynamically to changing circumstances and shocks, and the need to build political support for investments, as well as trust and community cohesion.
In the meantime, our targeting toolkit is still made up of a...
2022-07-2838 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 15 | Disability-Inclusive Social ProtectionWhat do social protection systems need to look like to promote inclusion, autonomy and participation for people with disabilities?
Cash transfers are certainly important to meet basic living costs, as well the ‘extra’ costs that people with disabilities often need to pay just to access essential services. However, people with disabilities also have high needs for healthcare, assistive devices, and extra support to go to school or be employed. Traditional models of social protection that assume incapacity or poverty as prerequisites for receiving assistance may not be well designed to support persons with disabilities to achieve full and...
2022-06-3039 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 14 | A Global Fund for Social ProtectionIn this episode, we will tackle the elephant in the room when it comes to discussions around universal approaches to social protection: financing.
While high- and middle-income countries are in a better position to increase the share of domestic resources allocated to social protection, either through taxation, social contributions, etc., a considerable number of countries lack the means for domestic financing. This is why international financing mechanisms are increasingly being called for, most notably in the form of a global fund for social protection.
But what shape should such a fund take? What are the...
2022-05-2639 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 13 | Social Protection in Ukraine
Last month, we had a bonus episode about the conflict in Ukraine, and how social protection systems could support a fast-growing refugee crisis. As we enter the seventh week of the conflict, the challenge of supporting both the population staying and fleeing deepens.
However, this episode carries a glimmer of hope: today, we are talking to specialists who are making the most of social protection systems to support the people in need.
We will hear from Gabriele Erba, Beneficiary Data Systems Specialist for UNICEF, discussing the registration system the agency just implemented with the government...
2022-04-2838 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 12 | What will it take to achieve USP by 2030?This month, we celebrate our first year of the Social Protection Podcast. Over 16 episodes, we have explored controversial ideas like Universal Basic Income, dived deep on landmark programmes like Bolsa Familia and explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social protection systems worldwide.
In this episode, we are talking about another ambitious agenda, Universal Social Protection or USP2030. Under the co-leadership of the World Bank and the International Labour Organisation, USP2030 was created with a mission to achieve social protection for all at any time. To this end, it urges countries and international partners to support...
2022-03-2436 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 11 | Bonus Edition | Social Protection for Ukrainian RefugeesSince the conflict in Ukraine broke out at the end of February, the world has witnessed the fastest growing refugee crisis since World War II, with over two million people – mostly women, children and the elderly- fleeing into neighbouring countries.
The outpouring of voluntary support and solidarity for Ukrainian refugees has been remarkable. But for those without family and friends in the region, what institutional support is available, and what will refugees be able to access in the long term?
In this episode, we look at the roles social protection systems in receiving countries, along wi...
2022-03-1125 min
The Next PageIt Takes a Global Crisis: Episode 3 - Social ProtectionWelcome to Episode 3 of 'It Takes a Global Crisis', a series of four special episodes produced by the UN Library & Archives Geneva in collaboration with the SDG Lab. In this episode, we explore social protection.
Host Edward Mishaud is joined by Christina Behrendt, Head of the Social Policy Unit at the International Labour Organization, and Dr. Kate Philip, Programme Lead for the Presidential Employment Stimulus in South Africa.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put social protection in the spotlight, inviting us to reflect on social protection policy not only in times of crisis but also in ever...
2022-03-0438 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 10 | UBI and social protection systemsThis is the second of a two-part series about UBI. You can find the first episode here.
This month we continue our discussion on the Universal Basic Income (UBI), a radical idea to extend regular, unconditional cash benefits to everyone. The UBI challenges certain social protection orthodoxies, for example by providing an equal amount of support to all, independent of needs, and by removing obligations on the part of recipients in order to receive benefits. There are different views on how generous a UBI should be, whether it’s in addition to, or replaces other form...
2022-02-2439 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 9 | UBI and the World of WorkThis is the first episode of a two-part series about UBI. You can find the second episode here.
The first episode of the year in the Social Protection Podcast brings a radical proposal for extending social protections: the Universal Basic Income, or UBI.
Fundamentally, a universal basic income is a benefit provided in cash without conditions to everyone. It is a large topic that has been generating heated discussions in the social protection field for many years now. In that sense, we divided this discussion into two episodes.
In this episode, we...
2022-01-2734 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 8 | 2021: A Year in Review
It's December and we've made it to the end of 2021. This was another year dominated by COVID-19 in the field of social protection - and we've certainly spent plenty of time talking about that on this show. But while we were preoccupied with the pandemic, what else did we see happening in the social protection world?
In this episode, we bring three guests to spotlight non-COVID related news, papers and events from the year just gone. We'll talk about how to design safety nets to reduce gender-based violence, the role of social protection in food systems and...
2021-12-2236 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 7 | The path towards social protection floors for allWe like our metaphors in social protection. We talk about safety nets, even ropes and ladders, to catch people as they fall into poverty, and help them climb out of it. In this episode we’re talking about Social Protection Floors - the nationally defined set of social protection systems that provide basic health and income support guarantees to all citizens.
The crisis created by COVID-19 has shone a light on the gaps in social protection in many countries. But building comprehensive systems takes time and investment and despite international agreements, coverage is still increasing slowly. Between 2017 an...
2021-11-2537 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 6 | What‘s changed since COVID-19: Country CasesThe COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for people and governments worldwide, as well as massive new demands for social protection. It has also sparked an extraordinary collective effort to track developments in the field.
socialprotection.org has played a role in that collective effort, hosting a dedicated online community webinars, papers, and conferences devoted to sharing knowledge on COVID-19, extracting analyses of trends from huge datasets, delving into the details of implementation and lessons learned. And most importantly, sharing all of this knowledge to inform more effective responses.
socialprotection.org is reaching the end of a sp...
2021-10-2931 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 5 | What‘s changed since COVID-19: Responses, knowledge sharing and adviceThe COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for people and governments all over the world, as well as massive new demands for social protection. It has also sparked an extraordinary collective effort to track social protection development.
Our team at socialprotection.org has played a role in that collective effort, hosting a dedicated online community webinars, papers, and conferences devoted to sharing knowledge on COVID-19, extracting analyses of trends from huge datasets, delving into the details of implementation and lessons learned. And most importantly, sharing all of this knowledge to inform more effective responses.
This month...
2021-09-3033 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 4 | Bolsa Familia | Flagship Special EpisodeOnce in a while, a social protection programme becomes famous. Whether because they are efficient, ground-breaking, innovative - or quite the opposite - , these programmes somehow become part of the popular imagery, serving as an international reference of what to do (or not to do).
These top-of-mind programmes have been researched and evaluated thoroughly for many years, but while you may know their main features and facts, you'll probably less familiar with the disagreement, compromise and evolution that has made them what they are today.
In this episode, we'll speak with three designers and implementers...
2021-08-2736 min
Social Protection PodcastODI Series Ep. 6 | Covid-19 crisis: opportunities and risks for extending social protection to informal workersIn the months of June and July, the Social Protection Podcast is hosting a special series in partnership with ODI and GIZ. Across six episodes, our guest host Francesca Bastagli, Director of the Equity and Social Policy programme and Principal Research Fellow at ODI, will moderate conversations around the guiding question: “Covid-19: a turning point for social protection?”.
These six episodes are part of an ODI research project, funded by GIZ, on the emerging evidence and learning from social protection measures adopted in the early months, and within the first year, of the onset of the Covid-19 cris...
2021-07-2235 min
Social Protection PodcastODI series Ep. 5 | ODA financing for social protection: lessons from the Covid-19 crisis responseIn the months of June and July, the Social Protection Podcast is hosting a special series in partnership with ODI and GIZ. Across six episodes, our guest host Francesca Bastagli, Director of the Equity and Social Policy programme and Principal Research Fellow at ODI, will moderate conversations around the guiding question: “Covid-19: a turning point for social protection?”.
These six episodes are part of an ODI research project, funded by GIZ, on the emerging evidence and learning from social protection measures adopted in the early months, and within the first year, of the onset of the Covid-19 cris...
2021-07-1535 min
Social Protection PodcastODI Series Ep. 4 | Have social protection responses to Covid-19 undermined or supported gender equality?In the months of June and July, the Social Protection Podcast is hosting a special series in partnership with ODI and GIZ. Across six episodes, our guest host Francesca Bastagli, Director of the Equity and Social Policy programme and Principal Research Fellow at ODI, will moderate conversations around the guiding question: “Covid-19: a turning point for social protection?”.
These six episodes are part of an ODI research project, funded by GIZ, on the emerging evidence and learning from social protection measures adopted in the early months, and within the first year, of the onset of the Covid-19 cris...
2021-07-0833 min
Social Protection PodcastODI Series Ep. 3 | Covid-19: crisis as opportunity for urban cash transfers?In the months of June and July, the Social Protection Podcast is hosting a special series in partnership with ODI and GIZ. Across six episodes, our guest host Francesca Bastagli, Director of the Equity and Social Policy programme and Principal Research Fellow at ODI, will moderate conversations around the guiding question: “Covid-19: a turning point for social protection?”.
These six episodes are part of an ODI research project, funded by GIZ, on the emerging evidence and learning from social protection measures adopted in the early months, and within the first year, of the onset of the Covid-19 cris...
2021-07-0135 min
Social Protection PodcastODI Series Ep. 2 | National cash transfer responses to Covid-19: operational lessonsIn the months of June and July, the Social Protection Podcast is hosting a special series in partnership with ODI and GIZ. Across six episodes, our guest host Francesca Bastagli, Director of the Equity and Social Policy programme and Principal Research Fellow at ODI, will moderate conversations around the guiding question: “Covid-19: a turning point for social protection?”.
These six episodes are part of an ODI research project, funded by GIZ, on the emerging evidence and learning from social protection measures adopted in the early months, and within the first year, of the onset of the Covid-19 cris...
2021-06-2434 min
Social Protection PodcastODI series Ep. 1 | Social protection provisions to refugees during the Covid-19 pandemicIn the months of June and July, the Social Protection Podcast is hosting a special series in partnership with ODI and GIZ. Across six episodes, our guest host Francesca Bastagli, Director of the Equity and Social Policy programme and Principal Research Fellow at ODI, will moderate conversations around the guiding question: “Covid-19: a turning point for social protection?”.
These six episodes are part of an ODI research project, funded by GIZ, on the emerging evidence and learning from social protection measures adopted in the early months, and within the first year, of the onset of the Covid-19 cris...
2021-06-2431 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 3 | Global trends in (near) universal child grantsIn March, the United States brought in a temporary, near-universal child benefit as part of the American Rescue Plan, enacted as a response to COVID-19. Many in government are pushing to make it permanent, and that would make it a significant change in US social policy. But, of course, child-focused social protection benefits are relatively common in other countries, including lower and middle income countries. And even if the contexts are different, the debates may be familiar.
In this episode, we explore the debates around universality and investment in early childhood in the US. We compare them...
2021-05-2735 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 2 | Scaling up economic inclusionIn this episode, we’re talking about economic inclusion. Economic inclusion programmes typically target the poorest people and seek to address the many barriers to escaping poverty by providing multiple, complementary interventions. These generally include providing cash transfer assets, but also training, mentoring, access to finance and so on. These programmes are increasing in popularity as evidence starts to show promising and lasting results.
According to a major report published earlier this year, there were economic inclusion programmes running in 75 countries – many still quite new – reaching 92 million people. And, with the number of poor living in extreme poverty on the ris...
2021-04-2935 min
Social Protection PodcastEp. 1 | Women in Leadership during the COVID-19 crisisThis month, March, marks a year since COVID-19 swept over the globe, and triggered the first waves of closures and lockdowns in many countries. It has been a big year for social protection, as governments, international organisations and communities raced to extend safety nets to the many millions of people who lost work or became more vulnerable due to the pandemic.
In our first episode of the Social Protection Podcast, we look at the challenges and lessons of COVID-19 from a practitioner perspective. You’ll hear from four women leaders in the social protection community, who...
2021-03-2631 min
Social Protection PodcastTeaser | Social Protection Podcast Ep. 1This is a teaser for our first episode which will launch on March 26. Subscribe now so you don't miss it!
If you have discovered this podcast, you probably already know that the last year has been big for social protection. Worldwide, governments, international organisations and communities raced to extend safety nets to the many millions of people who lost work or became more vulnerable due to COVID-19. Many of you have been actively involved in that effort, and of course the pandemic has affected us all in different ways.
So, in this first episode, we...
2021-03-1502 min
Informal Economy Podcast: Social Protection#16 Challenges To Protect Informal Workers Livelihoods In Peru And MexicoIn this month, we go back to the ground to understand how the livelihoods of informal workers are being affected in two of the countries in Latin America most hit in the region by the Covid-19 crisis: Mexico and Peru.
We invited two guests who are working closely with informal workers. From Mexico, Tania Espinoza, Mexico City Focal City Coordinator at WIEGO. And from Peru, we bring Carmen Roca, Lima Focal City Coordinator, also from WIEGO.
They will analyse the main challenges on the implementation of the emergency cash-grant policies to protect informal workers income, the problems of government responses...
2020-07-0130 min
Informal Economy Podcast: Social Protection#16b Retos para Proteger a Los Medios de Vidas de Trabajadores Informales en Peru y MexicoEn este mes, volvemos al terreno para comprender cómo se están afectando los medios de vida de los trabajadores del sector informal en dos de los países de América Latina más afectados en la región por la crisis de Covid-19: México y Perú.
Invitamos a dos especialistas que están trabajando estrechamente con los trabajadores informales. De México, Tania Espinoza, Coordinadora de la Ciudad Focal de la Ciudad de México en WIEGO. Y de Perú, traemos a Carmen Roca, Coordinadora de la Ciudad Focal de Lima, también de WIEGO.
Ellas analizaran lo...
2020-07-0136 min