what is social protection

Social protection refers to a set of policies and programs designed to reduce and prevent poverty and vulnerability throughout the life cycle. It aims to promote efficient labor markets, diminish peoples exposure to risks, and enhance their capacity to manage economic and social risks, such as unemployment, exclusion, sickness, disability, and old age. Social protection systems help poor and vulnerable people cope with crises and shocks, find jobs, invest in the health and education of their children, and protect the aging population. There are three types of social protection programs: social assistance, social insurance, and labor market protection. Social assistance provides publically provided conditional or unconditional cash or in-kind transfers, or public works programs. Social insurance is contributory programs that cover designated contingencies affecting the welfare or income of households. Labor market protection provides unemployment benefits, builds skills, and trains workers. Social protection is a key aspect of a strategy for rural poverty reduction and can reduce poverty, improve food security, and foster sustainable management of natural resources.