Cash transfer programmes, poverty reduction and empowerment of women: A comparative analysis

This publication summarizes existing knowledge on the impact of cash transfers on women. These transfers are of relevance for gender equality, first, because as a group, women spend fewer years in paid employment than men, receive lower wages, and live longer. All three differences increase women’s risks of poverty. In addition, many cash transfer programmes are designed with particular provisions for women. Some are targeted at women as individuals (maternity benefits), while others designate mothers as the preferred recipients (family benefits). Some also include specific incentives for women, such as securing formal employment. This analysis focuses on selected cash transfer programmes in five countries: Brazil, Chile, India, Mexico, and South Africa.