Advancing gender-responsive social protection: new evidence and resources
How can social protection better deliver for the most marginalised women and girls? Research from the Gender-Responsive Social Protection programme (GSP) offers important answers.
GSP was a centrally managed, global programme implemented between 2018 and 2026 to strengthen the evidence, capacity and institutional practice needed to deliver social protection systems that improve outcomes for women and girls. The programme combined rigorous research, technical assistance, multilateral engagement, and knowledge exchange and learning to influence policy and programming at global, regional and country levels.
A core part of the programme was the Gender-Responsive, Age Sensitive Social Protection (GRASSP) research programme, delivered by UNICEF Innocenti, which built robust evidence on what works in practice.
What the evidence shows
The research highlights how gender-responsive approaches can improve both policy effectiveness and programme delivery. It provides insights across policymaking, implementation and impact, helping partners to design systems that better reach and serve women and girls.
A synthesis report on evidence and impact distils what drives gender outcomes, while a dedicated report on delivery explores practical lessons for implementing gender-responsive social protection at scale, and country case studies offer real-world examples of success and challenge.
A comprehensive package of resources
Alongside the research reports, a wide range of supporting materials was developed by UNICEF to support learning and uptake, including:
- an interactive collection of infographics showcasing recent achievements
- an animated explainer video on gender-responsive social protection
- technical learning modules exploring how to transform lives through social protection: module 1 and module 2
Together, these resources provide a practical toolkit for policymakers, practitioners and researchers working to build more inclusive and effective social protection systems.
Why it matters
Strengthening social protection systems is central to addressing inequality and supporting long-term development outcomes. By placing women and girls at the centre of design and delivery, this work helps ensure that programmes reach those most in need and deliver lasting impact.
Explore the full set of resources to learn how gender-responsive social protection can drive meaningful change.
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