Gender Dimension in the Implementation of Social Service Policy

Abstract

Social service policy produces different outcomes when viewed through a gender lens. Women are more likely to work in informal and low-paid jobs and to bear the burden of unpaid care work, which limits their full access to social insurance mechanisms. Consequently, compared to men, they face a higher risk of poverty and encounter more barriers in accessing social protection measures. Effective implementation requires addressing gender-specific risks, such as unpaid care work, informal employment, and discrimination, to promote equality. Key aspects include ensuring women’s access to benefits, enhancing their economic empowerment, and challenging traditional gender norms. Gender-sensitive social service policies are crucial for reducing inequalities, as women are disproportionately represented in informal employment, have lower labor market participation, and carry the majority of unpaid care responsibilities, all of which expose them to higher poverty risks.