Section outline

  • This short course introduces delegates to the key links between trade, gender, and development, with a focus on international trade and gender-responsive trade policies that support the 2030 Agenda-particularly SDGs 5, 8, 9, 10, and 17-and enhance societal resilience in times of crisis. Drawing on UNCTAD’s analytical work, empirical evidence, and policy examples, the course demonstrates how trade can both reduce and reinforce gender inequalities, and how policy tools can deliver more inclusive outcomes.

    At the end of this course, delegates will have gained knowledge on:

    • Why the economy is inherently gendered and why gender considerations are essential for sustainable development.
    • The links between trade, gender, and development, and why there is no such thing as a gender-neutral economic policy.
    • Identifying key gender gaps in trade—across employment, entrepreneurship, digital access, value chains, and access to productive resources—and their implications for growth and sustainable development.
    • The overview of the roles of major international organizations and NGOs on trade and gender and understanding of UNCTAD’s distinct analytical and policy approach.
    • Through their capacity to engage in negotiations and intergovernmental processes through a gender lens.