Implementing adequate social protection measures in response to COVID-19 is critical to saving both lives and livelihoods. Ensuring that these measures reach rural populations will be key to avoid further spread of poverty and hunger. The fight against COVID-19 will be particularly challenging in rural areas. Vulnerable rural populations, in particular women, will be significantly affected by the direct and indirect economic impact of COVID-19, leading to an increase in hunger and poverty. Social protection can ensure critical access to health care, provide incentives for compliance with confinement measures, and support income protection for those affected to bounce back from economic and health-related shocks. Social protection’s fundamental role is to support risk management. For this reason, 418 social protection schemes have already been adopted or expanded globally to respond to COVID-19.