This working paper from ILO offers a comprehensive framework for designing gender-responsive social protection systems that effectively address women’s needs throughout their lives. It highlights persistent gaps in access to social protection for women due to structural inequalities in labor markets, unpaid care work, and social norms. The paper argues for a life-cycle approach, combining contributory and non-contributory mechanisms, and calls for systemic reforms such as gender-sensitive benefit designs, inclusive social insurance, and investment in care services. Ultimately, it advocates for transformative policies that promote women’s autonomy, reduce poverty, and yield broader social and economic benefits.