62nd session of the Human Rights Council
Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women
Panel 2: Commemoration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy focusing on women’s right to work and representation in decision-making
Short Version Joint Statement
Advancing Gender Equality through Shared Responsibility in Caregiving and Family Support
24 of June 2026
Mr. President,
This statement is delivered on behalf of an interregional group of States
We recognize that important progress has been made in the promotion of women’s rights; however, inequalities remain that are deeply linked to the unequal distribution of caregiving responsibilities, support work, and unpaid domestic work.
Women continue to assume a disproportionate share of direct and indirect unpaid and underpaid care and support work, including care and support for children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and dependent family members. This unequal distribution affects women’s ability to participate fully in economic, political, public and social life and to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis.
In this context, the promotion of shared care and support responsibilities between the State, private sector, communities and families, including through the promotion of shared parental leave and the equitable distribution of responsibilities would make a significant contribution to advancing gender equality and the elimination of discrimination against women.
Policies that encourage shared participation in caregiving responsibilities can help reduce structural inequalities, promote and protect the human rights of women and girls, strengthen women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in public, social, economic and political life.
We encourage continued international dialogue and cooperation on policies that strengthen care and support systems, promote shared responsibilities in caregiving, and advance gender equality for the benefit of all.
Thank you.
Co-Sponsors
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Cameroon (revisions)
Colombia (revisions)
Costa Rica
Cuba
Cyprus
Finland
France
Georgia
Greece
Japan
Malawi
Malta
Mexico (revisions)
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Panama
Paraguay
Saudi Arabia
Slovenia
South Africa
Long version of the Joint Statement
Advancing Gender Equality through Shared Responsibility in Caregiving and Family Support
Mr. President,
This statement is delivered on behalf of a group of States whose names can be found on the Extranet.
We recognize that important progress has been made in the promotion of women's rights; however, inequalities persist that are deeply linked to the unequal distribution of caregiving responsibilities, support work and unpaid domestic work.
Women continue to assume a disproportionate share of direct and indirect unpaid and underpaid care and support work, including care and support for children, older persons, dependent family members and unpaid domestic work. This reality directly impacts their economic empowerment, access to employment, professional development, access to education and lifelong learning, physical and mental health, political and social participation, and the full enjoyment of their human rights.
We also recognize that achieving substantive equality requires addressing not only formal discrimination, but also the social structures and cultural patterns that perpetuate unequal roles and expectations regarding women and men.
In this context, the promotion of shared care and support responsibilities between the State, private sector, communities and within families, including through the promotion of shared parental responsibilities, will contribute significantly to advancing gender equality and eliminating discrimination against women and girls.
Policies that encourage participation in caregiving responsibilities can help reduce structural inequalities, strengthen women's full, equal and meaningful participation in public, economic, social and political, for the well-being and realization of human rights by all family members, and transform gender stereotypes.
We further recognize that discussions related to parental leave, social protection, and care and support systems should take into account the different national realities, institutional capacities, and development contexts of each State.
Nevertheless, progressively advancing towards greater shared responsibility in caregiving tasks constitutes an important step towards building more inclusive, resilient and equal societies.
We encourage the exchange of good practices, international dialogue and technical cooperation on policies that strengthen care and support systems, work-life balance, social protection, and the balanced participation of women and men in family responsibilities.
As highlighted by the CEDAW Committee, the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls, and other international human rights mechanisms, substantive equality cannot be achieved as long as caregiving and support responsibilities continue to have a disproportionate impact on women and girls.
Mr. President,
Advancing towards equality requires transforming not only laws and institutions, but also the structural conditions that limit the meaningful participation of women and girls in our societies.
Thank you