WTO Strengthens Push for Gender Equality in Global Trade
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The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is stepping up its commitment to gender equality in global trade, unveiling a new edition of its International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade and initiating consultations for its 2025-26 work plan.
The announcement came at a meeting of the WTO’s Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender on 27 February, where members also explored potential gender-focused outcomes for the organisation’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in 2026.
Progress and new initiatives
The group’s co-chairs—Ambassador Clara Delgado of Cabo Verde, Ambassador Patricia Benedetti of El Salvador, and Ambassador Simon Manley of the United Kingdom—outlined significant progress made in 2024. Notable achievements included securing explicit references to trade and gender in the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration, introducing trade policies to enhance financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs, and integrating gender considerations into WTO bodies.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the group confirmed the launch of the second edition of the International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade, an award recognising WTO members and observer governments that have implemented impactful, gender-responsive trade policies.
Global efforts towards inclusive trade
Several WTO members shared updates on their gender-focused trade initiatives. The UK highlighted its efforts to embed gender equality in free trade agreements, such as the UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. These agreements promote mechanisms for collecting gender-disaggregated trade data and monitoring the impact of trade policies on women.
Australia introduced its newly launched International Gender Equality Strategy for a Safer and More Prosperous Indo-Pacific and the World, which was developed through consultations with over 600 stakeholders. The strategy aims to reinforce gender commitments in WTO negotiations and broader international trade discussions.
Mexico showcased its collaboration with the Global Trade and Gender Arrangement and the WTO Secretariat in organising a capacity-building workshop. This initiative brought together experts, government officials, academics, and women entrepreneurs to explore ways to integrate gender considerations into global trade frameworks.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) provided updates on the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund, a joint WTO-ITC initiative launched at the 13th Ministerial Conference. The fund will offer grants and technical assistance to help women-led businesses expand in the digital trade sector, with the first selected business support organisations set to be announced in early March.
Towards a more inclusive global trade system
With momentum growing for gender-responsive trade policies, the WTO’s Informal Working Group remains focused on ensuring women benefit equitably from global trade and economic opportunities. As discussions continue towards MC14, the push for stronger commitments on gender equality in trade is set to remain a key priority for policymakers and international trade stakeholders alike.
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