Ten years ago, Brazil introduced a radical plan to fight poverty — give cash, every month, directly to mothers. It was self-consciously introduced as a first step toward phasing in an unconditional basic income. In audio segment, the CBC’s Jian Ghomeshi “speaks with Olga Khazan, associate editor for The Atlantic, about the program’s successes and shortcomings, and what it has meant in a country with a checkered history with women’s issues.”

Jian Ghomeshi, “Giving money directly to poor mothers: lessons from Brazil.Q Blog: CBC Radio, June 10, 2014.

Grandmother Edelice dos Santos and mother Maria Cristina stand before their family in a government-subsized home in Aguas Lindas, Brazil. (Eraldo Peres/AP via CBC Radio)

Grandmother Edelice dos Santos and mother Maria Cristina stand before their family in a government-subsized home in Aguas Lindas, Brazil. (Eraldo Peres/AP via CBC Radio)