Gender Inequality: A Risk To The Social Protective Systems For Women

On March 18th, 2024, Nurses Across the Borders International (NABHI) participated in the United Nations 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) held at the UN Headquarters in New York. This year, NABHI hosted a side event that focused on a pressing issue with profound global health implications: “Gender Inequalities: A Risk to the Social Protective Systems for Women.“

The event was honored to feature Chief Mrs. Titilola Adeleke, the First Lady of Osun State, Nigeria, who spoke passionately about the challenges women face in accessing social protection systems, highlighting the intersectional nature of gender inequalities with poverty, healthcare access, and economic opportunities.

Social Protection Systems and Gender Disparities

Social protection systems are essential mechanisms to ensure economic security, provide safety nets for vulnerable populations, and promote social well-being. Yet, deep-seated gender inequalities often prevent women from fully benefiting from these systems.

NABHI’s side event at CSW68 brought attention to critical issues, including:

• Discriminatory Laws and Policies: Laws and policies that reinforce traditional gender roles can restrict women’s access to education, employment, property ownership, and financial independence, making them more reliant on inadequate or inaccessible social protection measures.

• Informal Employment: A disproportionate number of women work in informal sectors, often without legal protections, social security benefits, or access to healthcare, rendering them highly vulnerable during economic shocks or health crises.

• Caregiving Responsibilities: The unequal burden of unpaid care work (childcare, eldercare, household tasks) often falls on women, limiting their participation in paid employment and diminishing their contributions to social protection schemes.

• Violence and Discrimination: Women who experience violence or discrimination may face barriers to seeking help or accessing legal and social protection, further exacerbating their vulnerability and marginalization.

A Call for Transformative Action:

The NABHI side event served as a call for urgent action, advocating for policies and programs that address the root causes of gender inequality and create more inclusive and equitable social protection systems for women.

This video [link to YouTube video] captures the key discussions and insights shared at NABHI’s CSW68 side event. We encourage you to watch and join us in the global movement for gender equality and social justice for all.