The ILO Convention 156 followed the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, 1979, which recommended some maternity leave, and said in its preamble that states are "aware that a change in the traditional role of men as well as the role of women in society and in the family is needed to achieve full equality between men and women".^[1]

The ILO Convention 156 was established in 1981, with the preamble stating:

Having decided upon the adoption of certain proposals with regard to equal opportunities and equal treatment for men and women workers: workers with family responsibilities,...

Article 1 provides the definition of "workers with family responsibilities" and article 3 cites Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (ILO Convention C 111) to define the discrimination.

This convention is cited by Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (ILO Convention C 183).

As of May 2023, the convention had been ratified by 45 states.

• Text.
• Ratifications.