Social protection in the form of safety nets can take two forms: promotion (ladders out of poverty) and protection (survival). Donors in Dhaka spearheaded a large advocacy campaign to reform the social protection agenda. Shiree supported this through research and evidence of the needs of the poorest. However, most of Shiree’s social protection advocacy took place on a local level rather than national policy level.
On the local level, Shiree advocated for social protection (safety nets) for its poorest beneficiaries – those who are disabled, elderly and widowed. While 100% of our beneficiaries are entitled to government safety nets, due to their poverty level (bottom 5% of the population!), our CMS data indicates that only on average 13% receive any support.
To bring more of our beneficiaries under the social protection umbrella of the Government, we worked with the following groups:
- Extreme Poor – to help them understand their entitlements and apply for the safety nets
- NGOs – to build their capacity in safety net advocacy so they may help their beneficiaries
- Local Government Representatives (DC, ADC, ADC Revenue) – to sensitise the officers on the needs of the poorest and motivate them to distribute safety nets to the poorest
As such, Shiree has organised several NGO (field officer) training sessions and district level advocacy events. The initiative has been very successful.
- Policy Brief: Shiree Targeting the Extreme Poor
- Working Paper: Extreme Poor Adivasis and the Problem of Accessing Social Safety Nets
- Guidance Note: Promoting Social Protection for the Extreme Poor
- Case Study from BOSS