The world – and the Latin America and the Caribbean region – face the challenge of development and social welfare, which will not be possible if more than half of the population – women – do not have the same opportunities to fully integrate into the spheres of social, political, cultural, and economic life on equal terms with men. The goal of reducing gender inequality is therefore, in addition to being a matter of rights, one of the conditions for overcoming the structural and structuring imbalance of social and economic inequalities. In fact, it will not be possible to increase wealth production and its equitable distribution to ensure social welfare in a global society that neglects the capabilities of millions of women who cannot access decent jobs to fulfill their potential. Just like health, education, and social security requirements, there is a fourth element, caregiving, which, in addition to playing a key role in the social reproduction of life, is a need that arises throughout the life cycle. All individuals, at every stage of their lives, require care. At the beginning of life, children require care to gain autonomy and complete proper childhood development. During adulthood, care from third parties may be needed due to a loss of autonomy that can become permanent or worsen, especially during old age. Additionally, individuals with disabilities of any age may require assistance and support to ensure autonomy and independent living. A fourth pillar of social welfare and social protection is needed to achieve the dual objective of guaranteeing access to quality care for those who need it while also creating the material and institutional conditions to dismantle the unjust gender-based division of labor that supports it. Comprehensive care systems, alongside healthcare, education, and social security systems, must form the new matrix of social welfare in the 21st century.