The ratification and application of ILO key gender equality conventions remain of crucial importance to improve the prospects of women in the region. Even in cases where the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) are ratified, legislative frameworks of Arab States are still not in line with the conventions. Only Yemen has ratified the Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No.156), while the Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183) has not been ratified in any country in the Arab States.

The ILO’s work in this area consists of support to strengthen national mechanisms tasked with implementing the principles and values of the international labour standards in the field of gender equality.