Social Protection Key to Women’s Health Access and Economic Security, Says ILO

Social Protection Key to Women’s Health Access and Economic Security, Says ILO
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The International Labour Organization (ILO) has emphasized that comprehensive social protection is essential for ensuring women’s access to quality healthcare and income security during illness and pregnancy. A report released on 24 March 2026 warns that without adequate social protection policies, women in many countries face restricted access to health services and heightened financial vulnerability.

The ILO highlights that social protection for health goes beyond medical treatment. It includes financial support during illness, paid maternity leave, and mechanisms that enable women to continue economic activity. Such measures protect both physical health and income security, particularly for women working in informal sectors or facing labor-market inequalities.

The report stresses that policy design must integrate gender equality, noting that even where laws guarantee equal access, disparities in labor markets prevent women from benefiting fully. Strengthening education on health, expanding social insurance coverage, and creating flexible workplaces are among the recommended measures.

Evidence from advanced economies suggests that gender-sensitive social protection policies improve health outcomes and economic participation for women, reducing societal inequalities. The ILO calls for cooperation among governments, NGOs, and the private sector to implement these measures, arguing that robust social protection benefits women and girls while advancing sustainable development and social justice globally.