OEA - CP- Resolución XIX VI 1 CIMT 22 GT1 GT2 INF 5

INTER-AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR INTEGRAL DEVELOPMENT

MEETING OF WORKING GROUPS 1 AND 2 OEA/Ser.L/XIX.VI.1

OF THE TWENTY-SECOND INTER-AMERICAN CIMT-22/GT1-GT2/INF.5/26

CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS OF LABOR 11 May 2026

May 11 to 13, 2026 Original: Spanish Asunción, Paraguay

PRESENTATION BY MS. BEATRIZ PIÑERES, SPECIALIST OF THE INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION OF WOMEN, ON THE MODEL LAW ON LABOR INCLUSION AND THE

PROMOTION OF WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS ACTIVITY

(Delivered during the Meeting of Working Group 1, Panel 4: Gender Equality and Mainstreaming of the Gender Perspective in Labor and Employment Policies)Model Law on Women’s Labor Inclusion and Promotion of Entrepreneurship Beatriz Piñeres, Specialist of the Inter-American Commission of WomenContext and Purpose The model law promotes the economic rights of women in Latin America and the Caribbean, encouraging their full participation in the labor market and entrepreneurship. It is not adopted in its entirety: each State adapts the law according to its national realities, respecting its own constitutional frameworks and socio-economic contexts. Regional scopeNormative Tool It constitutes a strategic tool to promote regulatory changes that favor the labor inclusion and entrepreneurship of women throughout the region. It allows for the articulation of legal commitments and political will expressed in different international spaces with concrete legal and institutional tools. It seeks to close gender gaps in the economic sphere through evidence-based public policies and cooperation between member states.International Principles and Standards Equality and nondiscrimination in economic matters as the

spaces with concrete legal and institutional tools. It seeks to close gender gaps in the economic sphere through evidence-based public policies and cooperation between member states.International Principles and Standards Equality and nondiscrimination in economic matters as the basis of all women's labor and business rights. Full legal capacity of women without guardianship or dependency to carry out economic activities autonomously.Non-discrimination in automated systems and artificial intelligence. Algorithms must be audited to eliminate gender bias in job selection and evaluation processes. Alignment with international standards: ILO Conventions, CEDAW and CIM/OAS commitments ensure regional regulatory coherence. International Principles and StandardsAn institutional framework is proposed with specific mechanisms to guarantee equal opportunities in the labor market and for entrepreneurship: • Public policies based on data and evidence – statistical analysis disaggregated by sex to identify gaps and prioritize interventions. • Labor Equality Unit in the Ministry of Labor (Create or strengthen) • Support Service for Women Entrepreneurs (Create or strengthen) • Intersectoral coordination • Transparency and annual accountability Role of the State: Enabling MeasuresTemporary Special Measures for Employability In accordance with CEDAW, a series of special temporary measures are proposed as a key tool to accelerate the achievement of equality through women's labor force participation and to close the gaps that currently exist. Temporary Special Measures for EmployabilityWorkplace InclusionTax incentives and direct subsidies for companies that incorporate women in industries such as construction, mining, technology and manufacturing, promoting occupational diversification. National training and employment service with personalized guidance, education-business partnerships, and mentoring programs to facilitate effective job placement. Support for employers in regulatory compliance. Vocational training programs designed in coordination with economic sectors and local authorities: job search workshops, practical experience, financial support, soft skillsMore than 50% of women in Latin America and the Caribbean work in informal employment, without access to social protection or full labor rights.

Vocational training programs designed in coordination with economic sectors and local authorities: job search workshops, practical experience, financial support, soft skillsMore than 50% of women in Latin America and the Caribbean work in informal employment, without access to social protection or full labor rights. Formalization of Labor and Decent Work Measures to promote decent work: • Productive and sustainable jobs — neither precarious nor temporary by design • Full respect for fundamental rights at work • Access to social security • Labor relations free from violence and discrimination • Elimination of all forms of sex discrimination • Administrative simplification to reduce barriers that prevent formalization. • It proposes social protection for informal workers. • Education and awareness-raising for informal workers: Benefits of formalization, Emphasis on labor rights, social security and professional growthBusiness and EntrepreneurshipThe model law promotes women's entrepreneurship through preferential access to financing, quotas in public procurement, and comprehensive support for women's business growth. Access to incubators, accelerators, cooperatives, and associative networks that strengthen the female entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region Promotion of foreign trade with equal representation and strategies to incorporate women in STEM and digital citizenshipPromoting STEM and Digital CitizenshipTemporary Special Measures for Employability The incorporation of women into technological and scientific careers must begin from early childhood, eliminating gender bias in education and promoting digital skills with a gender focus. • Early incorporation of girls and women into STEM careers from early childhood • Eliminating gender bias in educational materials and teaching practices. • Promotion of digital skills and technologies with a gender perspectiveObligations for companiesMandatory Policies Equal pay for work of equal value with mandatory salary transparency Progressive parity in the boards of directors of publicly traded and public companies Companies with more than 50 employees must implement mandatory equality and non-discrimination policies, guaranteeing fair working conditions for all people. Work-life balance measures and coresponsibilitywww.oas.org/en/cim spcim@oas.org Inter-American Commission of

Companies with more than 50 employees must implement mandatory equality and non-discrimination policies, guaranteeing fair working conditions for all people. Work-life balance measures and coresponsibilitywww.oas.org/en/cim spcim@oas.org Inter-American Commission of Women @CIMOEA @cim.oea