Economies are gendered structures. Worldwide, women face segmented labour markets, are constrained by their social role as caregivers, and are disadvantaged in access to resources. Not only women themselves but the wellbeing of whole societies is held back as a result. Trade policy can have a role in improving the situation.  

 

The pursuit of socially equitable trade rests on a broader concept.  It refers to the process of improving the conditions of all disadvantaged individuals and groups whatever their gender - such as people with disabilities, migrants and indigenous peoples.  Social categorisations of this kind intersect to create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination and disadvantage in the work people do, the services they use and the goods they consume. They also lead to differences in how people are affected by economic changes, including those brought about by trade and investment flows. Bringing considerations of gender and social inclusion into trade policymaking therefore requires careful contextual and sector-specific analysis. 

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We invite you to learn more about bringing a gender dimension into trade and investment negotiations by reading the GST Knowledge Product Series and contribute to the process by becoming a member of the GST network. 

 

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