The STEP Portugal Project has as its goal the advancement of social protection in Portuguese-speaking African countries

Implemented by the Social Security Department of the International Labour Office in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity of Portugal, the STEP Portugal Project promotes the extension of social protection and the increase of its effectiveness as instruments for poverty reduction, social inclusion, human development and access to decent work in Portuguese-speaking African countries. This is achieved through four lines of intervention:

·         Technical assistance for the design and implementation of public policies; 

·         Actions aiming at improving coherence and cohesion of efforts in social protection;

·         Strengthening the space given to social protection in national agendas;

·         Capacity building.

See the project brochure >

Global Extension of Social Security Platform (GESS)

GESS is a knowledge-sharing Internet platform which contributes to the extension of social security by strengthening the capacities of all actors involved. GESS offers a complete range of resources, tools, information about training, events, etc., in order to foster collaboration on key questions and on projects both for the implementation of social security strategies adapted to the national context and for the management of social protection schemes. The platform draws on the experience of the Social Security Department of the International Labour Office (ILO) and is a key instrument in the Global Campaign on Social Security and Coverage for All.

Access the website >

Learning Community for Social Inclusion (CAIS)

The CAIS platform is an electronic learning tool that offers support to people combating social exclusion. It aims to be a free space for accessing the internet, including virtual learning tools built with free software.

Access the website >

Bridges for Inclusion is a European project financed by the European Commission

The Bridges for Inclusion project main objectives are to make the relationship between employment, social welfare and social inclusion clearer and more effective and to enhance strategies and practices, particularly those coming from the fields of inclusive entrepreneurship, social economy and local development, where this positive relationship can be concretized.

Access the website >

The ILO is the UN agency with responsibility for the world of work. In 2000 it created the Programme on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work (ILO/AIDS). Its key objectives are:

-  to raise awareness of the social, economic and development impact of AIDS through its effects on labour and employment;

-  to help governments, employers and workers support national efforts to control HIV/AIDS;

-  to fight discrimination and stigma related to HIV status.

Access the website >

European Anti-Poverty Network (REAPN)

REAPN has represented Portugal in the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) since it was started in 1990. EAPN is a non-profit association based in Brussels, represented by National Networks in each of the European Member States. REAPN is a non-profit organisation locally recognised as a Social Solidarity Association and constituted on 17 December 1991. In 1995 it was recognised by the Portuguese Institute of Cooperation as a Non-Governmental Development Organisation.

Access the website >

Supporting the fight against poverty and social exclusion in Portugal

The Agência CIARIS-Portugal facilitates the management of the Learning and Resources Centre on Social Inclusion (CIARIS) in Portugal. The Agency is part of the Centre for Territorial Studies (CET) at the Higher Institute of Business and Labour Sciences (ISCTE) in Lisbon.

Access the website >