Mainstreaming Gender in Trade Policy: Practice, evidence, and ways forward
Gender-related provisions are becoming more and more common in trade agreements. But to what extent do they help —or hinder —efforts to achieve gender equality? This report analyzes the success of existing provisions to help maximize the impacts of future agreements.
Trade must be inclusive to contribute to sustainable development. This means there must be equal opportunities for women to benefit from trade, and women should not be more adversely impacted by trade or trade-related policies.
There is a growing willingness to “mainstream” concerns about trade’s gendered impacts in trade agreements. As these mainstreaming efforts gather momentum, it is useful to take stock of how well existing provisions on gender and trade contribute to gender equality. Defining metrics against which to gauge whether trade agreements are meeting gender equality objectives will enable us to identify and suggest ways to design gender-responsive measures for future agreements.
As such, this report analyzes different types of gender-related provisions in trade agreements. It proposes a gender equality framework to evaluate these provisions to ensure trade is gender responsive. It also describes mechanisms for anticipating the effects of planned trade agreements on women.
The report concludes by asking how our knowledge of the differential impacts of trade on women and men is—and can be—reflected in trade agreements in such a way as to promote inclusive trade, gender equality, and sustainable development.
You might also be interested in
World Trade Organization Talks on Subsidies that Contribute to Overcapacity and Overfishing: What's on the table?
World governments are currently negotiating new global disciplines to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. What new rules are being proposed?
ASGM Tailings Management and Reprocessing Governance
This report outlines technical aspects, governance frameworks, and policy recommendations for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) tailings management and reprocessing.
CSDDD: EU's Due diligence law vote should drive supply chain sustainability efforts
The European Parliament has voted to adopt the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, aiming to address the environmental and social impacts of the supply chains of Europe's large corporations.
Will the Inclusion of Voluntary Standards in Trade Agreements Lead to More Sustainable Trade?
The use of voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) and similar systems in free trade agreements (FTAs) is gaining traction. Will it lead to more sustainable production and consumption globally?