Family-supportive policies, which enable women to remain and progress in paid employment and encourage men to take their fair share of care work, are crucial to achieving gender equality at work.

Guy Ryder’s quote emphasizes the importance of family-supportive policies in achieving gender equality in the workplace. He argues that such policies are critical for allowing women to continue their careers and progress in paid employment without being burdened by the disproportionate responsibility of care work. These policies help level the playing field by ensuring that women can maintain their professional trajectory while balancing family obligations.

Additionally, Ryder highlights the need for men to take on their fair share of care work, pointing to the idea that gender equality in the workplace is not only about supporting women but also about fostering more equitable participation from men in family responsibilities. When men are equally involved in childcare and other domestic duties, it helps reduce the societal expectations that women should bear the primary burden of care work, which in turn benefits both workplace equality and family life.

Ryder’s perspective also aligns with the broader discussion around the need for workplace policies that accommodate family life, such as parental leave, flexible working hours, and childcare support. These policies can help reduce barriers that women often face when trying to maintain a work-life balance, which can otherwise lead to gender inequalities in career advancement, salary, and overall job satisfaction. By encouraging both genders to share care responsibilities, Ryder believes society can move toward a more equal and fair work environment.

Originating from Guy Ryder, a prominent figure in labor and employment rights as well as the International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General, the quote reflects his commitment to promoting fair labor practices and gender equality in the workplace. His advocacy for family-supportive policies is part of his broader mission to improve the working conditions and opportunities for all, regardless of gender. Ryder’s emphasis on these policies is a call for structural changes to create more inclusive, balanced, and equitable professional environments.