other services, the NGO provides consistent case‐level support and advocacy. The NGO also sensitizes the public about GBV risks and raises public awareness about the ways in which they can record complaints in the GRM. The implementing agency also appoints a focal point for monitoring activities linked to GBV prevention and mitigation. 7. Conclusion To be effective, social protection and poverty reduction programs must consider the different circumstances of women and girls or men and boys as they strive to deliver benefits to those that need them most. The inclusion of women and groups with low bargaining power in the design of poverty reduction programs can address gender–specific vulnerabilities and solidify efforts to promote inclusive development. On the other hand, failing to recognize existing gaps can exacerbate inequality to the detriment of vulnerable groups and contribute to the country’s overall fragility. Moreover, there are enough data to establish that the gender gap will continue to widen unless we accelerate women’s financial inclusion in poverty–alleviation programs and in the overall economy. The World Bank recognizes that closing gender gaps and promoting female empowerment can better contribute to the twin goals of eliminating extreme poverty and fostering shared prosperity. The situation of the entire South Sudanese population is dire due to economic and political circumstances. These factors affect women and girls or men and boys differently. This review analyzed how social protection and other poverty reduction programs have addressed gender equality in South Sudan and in similar countries with the aim of providing guidance for project teams operating in fragile situations to support women and girls or men and boys. Our findings indicate that many of the World Bank’s operations target women among their beneficiaries. However, only a few of them integrate gender equality in a systematic manner, that is, from design to implementation and evaluation. The discussion about gender equality, and particularly GBV, is a sensitive topic in South Sudan. Whereas the World Bank is increasingly cognizant of the risk of different forms of GBV in operation, it is important to acknowledge that this might not be the case for governments. Therefore, carefully considering potential risks and focusing discussions on practical measures provide an entry point for dialogue. To assist project teams in the delivery of social protection programs that respond to vulnerabilities specific to women and men, this review identified several good practices in promoting gender equality throughout the project cycle. We hope that this work will inform future activities in South Sudan and in other fragile and conflict–affected settings. As illustrated by the good practices, designing and implementing operations that promote gender equality is a goal that can be achieved.
44
