Brazil approves ILO convention for work-life balance

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has approved the ratification of an International Labour Organization (ILO) convention aimed at promoting equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women with family responsibilities. The measure, introduced via Message 85/23 and transformed into Legislative Decree Project (PDL) 996/2026, seeks to create conditions that allow workers to balance professional activities with family commitments.

By establishing guidelines to eliminate discriminatory practices against those facing family-related challenges, the proposal aims to reduce barriers to entering, remaining in, and progressing within the labor market. The rapporteur, Deputy Benedita da Silva, noted that despite recent progress, inequalities regarding domestic work and caregiving persist, primarily affecting women's professional development, leadership access, and remuneration. The convention is programmatic in nature and does not impose immediate new burdens on the country, as implementation depends on national conditions and possibilities.