ILO makes case for decent work for women, men

Director General of the organisation Guy Ryder stated this in a press statement commemorating this year’s International Day of Families, where he noted that decent work is a key link in the chain connecting families and development.“Work-related policies and practices play a major role in creating family-supportive environments which, in turn, yield benefits for the […]

Director General of the organisation Guy Ryder stated this in a press statement commemorating this year’s International Day of Families, where he noted that decent work is a key link in the chain connecting families and development.
“Work-related policies and practices play a major role in creating family-supportive environments which, in turn, yield benefits for the world of work and society. This year’s theme “Families Matter for the Achievement of Development Goals” recognizes the role of families — and policies to support them – in achieving internationally agreed development goals,” Ryder said.
He added that “evidence shows that such family-oriented policies can reach beyond the formal economy and contribute to poverty reduction, better outcomes for children, greater gender equality and improved work-family balance.
“They support the right to employment and the right to equality. They also contribute to productive businesses by enabling women’s return to work and skills preservation after maternity leave, and by promoting lower rates of absenteeism and better performance and commitment at the workplace.”
However, he lamented that effective access to quality maternal and child health care is still not universal, stressing that discrimination based on pregnancy, maternity and family responsibilities is endemic everywhere.
“Many formal and informal workplaces remain unsafe and unhealthy for all workers, especially pregnant and nursing women,” he said.