The 2019 World Trade Organization Global Trade Facilitation Review marked a turning point in recognizing women's crucial role in international commerce. During the event, a parallel session titled "Gender Mainstreaming in Trade Facilitation Assistance: Existing Tools and Lessons Learned" brought together global leaders to address systemic barriers facing women in trade.
Opening the Dialogue
Ann Linde, Sweden's Minister for Foreign Trade, set the tone with a powerful opening statement emphasizing that gender equality must be central to trade assistance initiatives. She highlighted how the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement creates opportunities particularly valuable for women-owned small and medium enterprises through simplified trade processes.
Barriers to Participation
World Bank Group research presented at the session identified seven key obstacles limiting women's full participation in global trade:
- Information gaps about market opportunities and regulations
- Inconsistent tariff and regulatory practices
- Inadequate border infrastructure causing delays
- Legal restrictions on property ownership and credit access
- Limited financing options for business growth
- Sparse professional networks and support systems
- Time constraints from disproportionate caregiving responsibilities
Global Initiatives
The European Commission shared practical examples from its updated trade assistance strategy, demonstrating how targeted policies can effectively support women traders. Meanwhile, Sweden's International Development Cooperation Agency presented new tools for integrating gender perspectives into trade assistance programs, with 88% of its development collaborations already achieving gender mainstreaming.
Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner Dicksons Kateshumbwa showcased his country's innovative "Women in Trade Facilitation" framework. Developed through extensive consultation with women traders, the program provides customized customs training, free storage facilities, and dedicated workspace to help women organize collectively.
Moving Forward
The World Customs Organization outlined its comprehensive approach to advancing gender equality, including updated assessment tools, virtual working groups, and hybrid training programs combining workshops with e-learning modules.
Participants agreed that future progress requires enhanced data collection, targeted policy interventions, specialized training programs, and increased international cooperation to share best practices. The session concluded with a shared commitment to transform global trade into a more equitable and inclusive system where women's contributions are fully recognized and supported.