We 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 and 2021, the proportion of the global population covered by at least one social protection benefit increased by just two percent, and over half the world’s population remain completely unprotected.
Our three guests bring unique perspectives on where we are today on the path towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on social protection. You will hear from Kenya's experience in expanding its social protection; how networks of civil society actors are supporting comprehensive systems around the world; and how the ILO is tracking progress towards this goal and supporting countries in their domestic efforts to finance social protection.
Our guests for this episode are:
Valérie Schmitt, Deputy Director, ILO Social Protection Department
Richard Rori, Social Protection Policy and Research Analyst at the National Social Security Fund, Kenya
Koen Detavernier, Advocacy Officer, We Social Movements (WSM); and Advisor, International Network for Social Protection Rights (INSP!R)

 
Links from the episode:
We Social Movements - Corona
R202 – Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202)
World Social Protection Data Dashboards
Policy in Focus - What's next for social protection in light of COVID-19: challenges ahead
Secretary-General’s Policy Brief: Investing in Jobs and Social Protection for Poverty Eradication and a Sustainable Recovery
Resolution concerning the second recurrent discussion on social protection (social security)
Fiscal Space for Social Protection: a handbook for assessing financing options
Financing gaps in social protection: Global estimates and strategies for developing countries in light of the COVID-19 crisis and beyond
Building Social Protection Floors for All: Report of the first phase 2016–2020
ILO Global Flagship Programme
World Social Protection Report 2020-22: Social protection at the crossroads – in pursuit of a better future
Extending Social Security to Workers in the Informal Economy
 
Plus our monthly round up of ‘Quick Wins’, highlighting news, achievements and research that have sparked our interest:
 
Quick Wins from Karina Levina and Yannick Markhof – participants of this year’s Ambassadors Programme at socialprotection.org
 
Do Conditional Cash Transfers Improve Education and Labour Market Outcomes in the Future Generation?
Education, Income and Mobility: Experimental Impacts of Childhood Exposure to Progresa after 20 Years
Delivering income and employment support in times of COVID-19: Integrating cash transfers with active labour market policies
Stress Testing Social Protection: A rapid appraisal of the adaptability of social protection systems and their readiness to scale up – A guide for practitioners
 
Humans of Social Protection – Posts
Widow raising six children in Cameroon Instagram / Facebook
Single mother and school teacher in Kyrgyzstan Instagram / Facebook