Gender dimensions of policy

All societies have some formal and informal systems of social security to address the risk and vulnerability that people face.  Formal systems can be provided publicly in the form of state pensions or maternity benefit, for example. Informal systems of social protection are often provided by the family and community, such as lending for health expenses, exchanging money or gifts around funeral expenses, or unpaid care for frail elderly members.

A gender analysis of social protection is needed to ensure not only that women and men benefit from social policy, but also to maximise its efficiency. The design of social security must include the needs of women and men for support over their lives and to recognise how changing patterns of work and employment affect women's and men's access to social protection.