Gender and social protection in Brazil

Brazil’s social protection system - including social insurance, universal healthcare and social assistance - has provided a foundation for expanding social rights among poor and vulnerable women. While women’s empowerment has not been a central goal of Brazil’s social protection system, this chapter examines the progress that has been made. Federal reformist strategies, most notably through the establishment of the world’s largest conditional cash transfer programme, Bolsa Fam'lia, broadened women’s economic well-being, enhanced bodily integrity, and promoted psychosocial growth. Bolsa Fam'lia’s contributions to poor women’s advances were notable in lifting women out of destitution and engendering their agency. Contributions for women’s empowerment emanated from the programme’s architecture as an integrated anti-poverty programme that aligned with complementary social protection services. The coronavirus pandemic, however, is likely to stall poor and vulnerable women’s social inclusion gains. The chapter concludes by identifying lessons learnt and areas for future development.