Social Protection Podcast

Social Protection Podcast is a brought to you by socialprotection.org. We’re a knowledge sharing and capacity building platform, open to social protection practitioners, policy-makers, and experts, as well as academics and students. Social protection is a large and growing field, that has also achieved increased profile and salience since 2020 due to COVID-19. From building delivery systems and protecting People with Disabilities, to social protection financing and school feeding – there is no shortage of topics for Social Protection Podcast to tackle. Each month we will aim to bring you rich, interesting and different content. Through interviews, discussions and debates with experts and practitioners, Social Protection Podcast will illuminate new research and bring a range of perspectives to debates and controversies as well as areas of growing consensus.

Ep. 54 | Social Protection Myths and Misperceptions Part 1

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    

09-29
41:48

Ep. 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 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.

09-02
50:06

Ep. 52 | Integrating Social Protection into National Climate Policies

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 

07-31
38:07

Ep. 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 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  

06-20
41:50

Ep. 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. 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

05-30
41:35

Social Protection in Conflict and Protracted Crisis Series Ep. 3 | Humanitarian, Development & Peace Nexus Approach

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

04-30
43:27

Social Protection in Conflict and Protracted Crisis Series Ep. 2 | Localisation and local social protection systems in conflict and crisis

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

03-27
44:15

Social Protection in Conflict and Protracted Crisis Series Ep. 1 | Women and Other Marginalised Groups in Fragile Contexts

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.

02-28
45:04

Ep. 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 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

01-10
35:18

Ep. 45 | Looking Back on Social Protection in 2024

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

12-05
46:19

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

11-07
44:43

Ep. 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 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 

10-03
46:59

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

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

09-13
39:39

Ep. 42 | Social Protection in Latin America: Stratification, Politics and Influences

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

09-06
39:29

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

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

08-06
43:48

Ep. 40 | SDGs, Social Protection and Evidence Building

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

07-05
35:46

Emerging Trends in the Indo-Pacific Series Ep. 3 | The Future of Climate Change and Social Protection Responses

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   ------ 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.

05-31
47:35

Emerging Trends in the Indo-Pacific Series Ep. 2 | Social Protection for Gig Workers in Southeast Asia

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

04-26
40:26

Emerging 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 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

03-27
42:44

Ep. 36 | Gender-Transformative Social Protection

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  

03-01
43:26

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