A staggering two billion women and girls around the world lack access to any form of social protection, according to new data from UN Women.
This widening gender gap leaves women and girls increasingly vulnerable to poverty and economic instability, sparking concern from global leaders and advocates for gender equality.
The findings, shared by the United Nations on their official X account, reveal that despite progress in other areas, women and girls remain disproportionately affected by inadequate social protection measures.
Social protection systems, which include health insurance, pensions, maternity benefits, and unemployment support, are critical to safeguarding individuals from poverty.
However, women are more likely to work in informal sectors, face discrimination, or be excluded from these systems altogether, exacerbating their vulnerability.
“This data points to a systemic issue that leaves women and girls at greater risk of falling into poverty,” UN Women stated. The global gender gap in social protection is a pressing issue as it threatens the progress made in reducing poverty and achieving gender equality.
The report calls for urgent action to address these inequalities, urging governments and institutions to implement gender-responsive social protection policies that provide comprehensive coverage for women and girls. Strengthening these measures is seen as essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable future.