The EUROsociAL+ Programme of the European Union and the Inter-American Commission of Women of the Organization of American States, within the framework of International Women's Day, presented the Inter-American Model Law on Care, a specific instrument now available to States, civil society organisations, companies and people involved in addressing the care emergency from a gender equality approach.
The Model Law aims to recognise, value, redistribute, regulate and generate new forms of care and unpaid domestic work, as well as make visible and recognise the historical contribution of women in this area. This instrument is part of the CIM’s path towards strengthening legal frameworks that guarantee the full exercise of women’s economic rights, their autonomy, and their active and equal participation in the productive world and in public life.
“Care at the heart of the agenda requires a new ethic and a new social pact, which implies giving new meaning to this activity to make it visible, valued, to consider and redistribute it. This will be achieved through changes in economic, cultural and legal structures, hence the launch of this Inter-American Model Law as a specific means to achieve this wonderful transformation”, added Alejandra Mora Mora, Executive Secretary of the CIM/OAS.
” The European Union is totally committed to gender equality. Given the negative impact of the pandemic, it is essential to ensure a gender-sensitive approach to the recovery so as not to exacerbate inequalities, hence the need to take action regarding care responsibilities”, added María Antonia Calvo Puerta, ambassador and head of the Delegation of the European Union in Costa Rica.
The main features of the Model Law were presented during the event, such as the right of all people to be cared for in equal conditions and without discrimination and the right to equal, dignified care, and shared responsibility. The meeting highlighted the responsibility of all actors in society (public and private sectors, men, communities, etc.) to reflect on ways to move towards a society where all people can balance their family and work lives.
The meeting was attended by a high-level panel made up of prominent personalities such as: Epsy Campbell, Vice-President of Costa Rica; Laura Chinchilla, former president of Costa Rica; Marcela Guerrero, Minister for the Status of Women and Executive President of the National Women’s Institute of Costa Rica (INAMU); Maria Antonia Calvo Puerta, ambassador and head of the European Union Delegation to Costa Rica; Ana Pérez, coordinator of the Gender Equality Policies area of the EUROsociAL+ Programme; Alexandra Kissling, President Business Alliance for Development; representative of the regional office of UN Women; and Antonella Cavallari, Secretary General of the IILA, the organisation that coordinates the Area of Social Policies at EUROsociAL+.
The launch concluded with a symbolic ceremony when representatives of the public and private sectors, international and civil society organisations signed the commitment “for a new gender pact focused on care”, which prioritises the economic empowerment of women and the full exercise of their economic rights.
video of the event
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