Strengthening social protection systems to support women and girls, particularly in times of crisis, ensuring their resilience and well-being. 

The rights to social security and an adequate standard of living are enshrined in international and regional human rights frameworks. Social protection is a vital tool for overcoming poverty, achieving gender equality, and securing food and nutrition security.  

When thoughtfully designed, social protection systems can actively challenge discriminatory norms, gender stereotypes, and power imbalances that limit women’s choices and opportunities throughout their lives. Tailored measures such as maternity protection, paid parental leave, pensions, health care, agricultural and unemployment insurance, and child and family benefits, can address women’s specific interests and constraints, including those faced during pregnancy, motherhood, and old age. In times of crisis, food or cash transfers, public food distribution, and school meals programs serve as critical safety nets, especially for women-led households. 

Importantly, social protection can be transformative, not just protective, by enhancing women’s decision-making power, enabling access to safe and nutritious food, and promoting healthier diets for entire families. When paired with nutrition education and engagement of men and boys alongside women and girls, these programs support long-term improvements in food security and help prevent malnutrition and non-communicable diseases.  

Public policies that focus on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, including support for healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth, exclusive breastfeeding, and appropriate complementary feeding, are essential for both child and maternal health.