Assessing Gender and Age Sensitivity in Eswatini’s Social Assistance System

About

In Eswatini, social assistance programmes play a critical role in addressing poverty and vulnerability across the life course. However, the extent to which these programmes account for gender- and age-specific needs remains limited. These two reports present the findings and policy recommendations from a comprehensive assessment of the gender-responsiveness and age-sensitivity of social assistance in the country. Conducted under the Social Protection Technical Assistance, Advice and Resources (STAAR) Facility—funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by DAI Global UK, in collaboration with UNICEF, the assessment draws on national data, global evidence, and stakeholder consultations.

The assessment offers a detailed analysis of how Eswatini’s current social assistance policies and programmes address- or fall short in addressing gender-specific and age-related vulnerabilities across the life course. Drawing on global best practices, stakeholder consultations, and national evidence, the reports identify systemic gaps, such as inadequate coverage, low benefit adequacy, limited gender-disaggregated data, and weak linkages between social assistance and gender-based violence response services.

The accompanying policy brief outlines clear, practical, and prioritized recommendations to strengthen the gender-responsiveness and age-sensitivity of Eswatini’s social assistance system. Key proposals include lifecycle-based interventions, improved benefit adequacy, enhanced targeting mechanisms, support for unpaid caregivers, and integrated monitoring and grievance systems.

Together, these resources aim to inform and support the Government of Eswatini and its partners in implementing transformative reforms that uphold the rights and dignity of all, particularly women, girls, and the most vulnerable members of society.