Rights In Crisis - Rethinking Cash Transfers, Care Work, and Justice

Rights In Crisis - Rethinking Cash Transfers, Care Work, and Justice

From RightsUp by The Oxford Human Rights Hub

March 3, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the implications of unconditional cash transfer schemes on women's empowerment and their relationship with the state.

‘Rights in Crisis’, is a new RightsUp series from the Oxford Human Rights Hub in collaboration with the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development. The series will feature topics on human rights and related issues in India with experts sharing their insights. In our third episode for this series we discuss cash transfer schemes, in particular, unconditional cash transfer schemes. While these schemes are often designed to enhance women’s financial inclusion and autonomy, they could also reshape women’s relationship with the state. In this episode, we will explore how these initiatives navigate the fine line between empowerment, dependence and the gendered expectations that shape public policy. RightsUp is brought to you by the Oxford Human Rights Hub. This episode is in collaboration with the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development. Executive produced by Meghan Campbell. Hosted by Almas Shaikh and Aradhana Cherupara Vadekkethil. Produced and edited by Sophie Smith. Music for the series is by Rosemary Allman.

People in this episode

Hosts: Meghan Campbell, Sophie Smith

Topics covered

  • cash transfers
  • care work
  • gender equality
  • financial inclusion
  • public policy

Keywords

  • human rights
  • India
  • empowerment
  • dependence

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Rights In Crisis -, Rights in Crisis

Places: India

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