ABSTRACT
Gender has not traditionally been a focus of trade agreements, as the assumptions underpinning trade liberalization have been that it creates benefits for all and that its impacts will be gender neutral. This position has been contested, notably by feminist economists who argue that liberalization has differentiated gendered impacts, and that these can intensify and exacerbate existing gender inequalities. A spotlight has been put on women’s experiences as workers, consumers and producers and the impact of trade liberalization on these, and a range of responses have been developed. Certain initiatives such as the Fairtrade movement have sought to address gender inequalities by setting institutional principles and standards in relation to paying a fair wage, equal employment opportunities, and financial and technical support for female producers. Programmes such as Grown by Women encourage women’s participation in export markets and global supply chains, supported by gender-related initiatives such as education and training programmes, and improved access to water, health and childcare facilities. In addition, a range of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and activist movements have advocated reform of international trade policies and agreements, arguing that these should reflect broader international commitments to gender equality and human rights. However, attempts to incorporate codified gender rights into trade agreements have been contested processes, with arguably more success seen recently in bilateral relations than in the regulation of global trade. This chapter will explore these trends first through an exploration of the gender-trade nexus. It will then chart attempts to incorporate gender rights into trade agreements and conclude with a discussion of recommendations for future gender-aware and gender sensitive trade policies.
