The gender relevance of latest work statistics standards and their unused potential

This paper examines the evolution of the international statistical standards on work, that cumulated in the recent resolutions adopted at the International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS) between 2013 and 2023. These changes enable a significant improvement in the gender relevance and analytical value of labour statistics, starting with the foundational standards adopted in the 19th ICLS which introduced a new forms-of-work framework and enhanced measures of labour underutilization. The evolutional shift from a largely economic rationale to integrate more social dimensions carried through in the subsequent standards on work relationships (20th ICLS) and the informal economy (21st ICLS). The forthcoming ICLS in 2028 aims to address issues relating to care work and digital platform work, which also have high gender relevance and a mix of economic and social relevance. Through a wide selection of indicators, the paper illustrates how the new statistical frameworks greatly expanded the potential for statistics to enhance our understanding of the world of work and the associated gender disparities, in areas such as access to employment, engagement in unpaid work, labour underutilization, and degree of labour market attachment. Nonetheless, the true potential and benefits can only be achieved when the latest standards have been effectively implemented and disseminated. The paper investigates the common challenges faced by countries (such as the treatment of breaks in statistical series and ensuring effective communication and dissemination given the added analytical complexity of the data generated), proposes solutions and highlights ILO's efforts to support countries’ adoption.