States must also ensure that rights are realized progressively over time and guard against their erosion. But, within this framework, there is scope for countries to identify their own paths and policy choices for achieving substantive equality for women. Where women are predominantly self-employed, governments might prioritize investments in infrastructure, institutional credit and marketing facilities, as well as the extension of social protection, to support the viability of their enterprises and the sustainability of their livelihoods. Middle- and high-income countries, on the other hand, might place greater emphasis on work-family conciliation policies, including parental leave and child and elderly care services, and use real minimum wage increases to reduce income inequality and gender wage gaps at the bottom of the income hierarchy.