In the area of economic autonomy, discrimination against women is rooted in the historical sexual division of labour that predominantly places women in the reproductive sphere and makes them primarily and almost exclusively responsible for unpaid care and domestic work. In this context, legislation can establish rules and laws aimed at balancing the responsibility for this work between the State, the market, the community and families, adopting an approach to the right to care and be cared for that advocates co-responsibility (of the four actors mentioned), universality (guaranteed access and coverage for all citizens) and gender equality (promoting care systems that allow for equal opportunities and responsibilities for women and men).
