Social Protection

Building social protection floors
and comprehensive social security systems

Result achieved

A policy measure to improve the financial and administrative governance of the social protection system, making it more robust has been adopted and operationalized (Step 3)

Number of countries that have adopted or operationalized policy measures to improve the financial and administrative governance of the social protection system, making it more robust (Step 3)
31.08.2021 SWZ151 Public 2020-21 | 8.2.1

Linked projects

Outcome summary

An actuarial valuation study on unemployment was approved

Outcome achieved

The Government of Eswatini (Ministry of Labour & The Government of Eswatini (Ministry of Labour & Social Security) approved and adopted the findings of Actuarial Valuation Studies commissioned to identify design options for an Unemployment Benefit Scheme. The Actuarial Valuation Studies were completed in June 2021 and approved by Government and the Social Partners in August 2021. The Social Security Policy that is to be formally adopted by Cabinet provides a framework for the establishment of an Unemployment Benefit Scheme (UBS).

ILO's contribution to the outcome

With contributions from RBSA, the ILO commissioned actuarial valuation studies (from December 2020 – June 2021) towards the design and costing of an Unemployment Benefit Scheme (UBS). This entailed the costing of different scenarios for the design of the UBS using the ILO unemployment insurance model. The ILO also commissioned a Labour market diagnostic study from December 2020 – April 2021 to examine key economic and labour market situations that could impact on the implementation of an Unemployment Benefit Fund in Eswatini. Technical support was also provided towards exploring UBS coverage in the informal economy. At the request of the Government of Eswatini, the ILO has expanded support to the actuarial work by focusing on additional benefits pertaining to Maternity, Sickness and Family contingencies from August 2021 – October 2021. To strengthen the capacity of the Social Partners to engage effectively in the social protection policy reforms processes, the ILO collaborated with the ITC-ILO to facilitate constituents’ enrolment in a number of courses running from May to September 2021 including the following courses; Leadership for Social Protection; Good Governance; Actuarial Work for Social Security. The ILO has also collaborated with the ITC-ILO in September 2020 to facilitate training support for the National Tripartite technical working group formed to oversee the UBS policy reform process and other policy reform measures for social protection.

Gender equality & non-discrimination

The actuarial valuation gave particular consideration to the employment situation of women in modelling the UBS. In some countries, women are less likely to be legally covered, due to their greater representation in part-time, temporary or informal employment. In Eswatini, the total number of employed persons is not so different for men and women, while the unemployment rate is slightly higher for women. The National Social Security Policy is underpinned by the principle of non-discrimination and equality of treatment in respect to gender. Hence, the Actuarial Work has been extended to include Maternity protection on social insurance principles which will seek to address some labour challenges women face.

Partnerships

The ILO team has provided technical support and advisory services towards ensuring that the Joint Work Plan of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Eswatini 2021-2025 integrates an output on strengthening institutions and capacities for delivery of an effective and a responsive Social Protection system in Eswatini. Participating Agencies, for the implementation of the Joint Work Plan include UNDP, World Food Programme (WFP) United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations ...

SDG

SDG SDG SDG
Goals
  • End poverty in all its forms everywhere
  • Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
  • Reduce inequality within and among countries
Targets
  • 1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
  • 8.8 Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment
  • 10.4 Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
Unemployment