Convention No. 156 (ratified by 12 countries in the region at the time of publication of this report) and its accompanying Recommendation No. 165 provide a framework that encompasses the needs of all workers with family responsibilities: it prohibits discrimination on the grounds of family responsibilities and recognizes the need to overcome the excessive burden they (particularly women) assume as a prerequisite for equal opportunities in the world of work.

It is the first instrument to address the issue of care as a responsibility of both men and women, overcoming gender biases and stereotypes that assigned rights arising from work-family reconciliation policies exclusively or mainly to women.

Convention No. 156 is a key tool for advancing towards co-responsibility between men and women as well as between families and the State. The measures it proposes cover workers of both sexes and assigns an important role to the State. It provides guidance for both men and women to
It provides guidance for both men and women to balance family and work responsibilities, and promotes the conditions for all workers to be able to take on family responsibilities.

This regional report seeks to provide context for the discussion on "Decent Work and the Care Economy" that will take place during the 112th Session (2024) of the International Labour Conference by presenting conclusions and recommendations on the various dimensions that need to be considered.  Putting care at the centre of attention means affirming that men, women and people of all genders assume care responsibilities at some point in their life cycle, that it is skilled work and a central part of life. A new vision of care is required that involves both men and women, that prioritises the development of public care policies, and that promotes equality of care in the workplace.