MODULE 5. BUILDING A POLITICAL WILL FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SWS OR SIMILAR MECHANISM

Objective

This module is dedicated to analyse benefits and concerns which may be faced by governments while taking the decision to install a SWS or similar mechanism to better the people in the field of social protection and employment promotion.

It firstly explain why there is a need for a political will and commitment for the implementation of the SWS, and then provides detailed explanations on the benefits and roadblocks of such a project from a government point of view. Then, the module will provide concrete insights on how to install an efficient advocacy and lobby strategy to create the expected and required commitment.

 

Key questions

1. Why is there a need for a political will to implement the SWS?
2. What are the main benefits of the SWS in a governement point of view?
3. What are the main concerns regarding the SWS implementation in a governement point of view?
4. How to install an efficient lobby strategy?

Take away message

There are numerous reasons why a political commitment is mandatory to complete the implementation of a national mechanism to deliver the social protection floor. It is also valid in case no action is expected from the government at the beginning of the project (e.g. in case the pilot is handled by a development partner). The main reasons are the following:

• The implementation of a SWS or similar mechanism relies on public investment
• There is a need for a regulation  to enforce the mechanism
• The sub-national administration is necessarily involved in the mechanism
• There is a need for a team at central level

The principal reason why a government should launch a SWS project are:

• The SWS has the potential to provide a comprehensive visibility on the social protection system, and to better track the related expenses;
• The SWS collects data that can be used to better document the results achieved through Social Protection;
• The SWS intends to ensure a better efficiency of the system as a whole (pooling of resources, standard processes, and so on) – doing more for less;
• The capillarity of the SWS network of physical facilities should enable the government to develop a better knowledge of the population and the needs of the people;
• Through the provision of combined benefit packages and the installation of a case management approach the SWS maximizes the inclusion of the poorest and most vulnerable populations;
• The SWS is a tool that contributes to the decentralisation and democratisation processes; and
• The SWS combining social protection with employment promotion has the potential to increase the impact of public intervention aiming to foster economic growth.

To convince a governement it is key to develop a robust vision of the mechanism to be implemented inline with the country's context and the governement's objectives. It is also usefull to secure the collaboration of key players and sponsors.

Master Module 5

Click here to access Module 5

 

---