The Potential of Productive Safety Nets for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth a Gender Lens to the Koulikoro Pilot in Mali

This technical paper explores the potential and feasibility of introducing a productive safety nets program for inclusive and sustained economic development in Mali. It uses a gender lens to discuss approaches that aim to maximize the impact of these investments, recognizing that this requires a strategic approach to address gender inequality. First, this technical paper provides an overview of the past use of productive safety nets in Mali, then looks at the economic case for productive safety nets, and their potential to enhance the social and economic inclusion of women in Mali, based on a review of evidence from studies. The technical paper then outlines lessons learned from the country's Jigiséméjiri ('Tree of Hope') program and the expansion of gender-targeted transfers in the Koulikoro region to women as beneficiaries. It concludes with options for introducing a productive safety nets program in Mali to support women's economic empowerment, which is essential to unleash the country's productive potential