The Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender has reviewed its achievements for 2024, marking significant progress in advancing gender equality within international trade. Co-Chairs Ambassador Clara Delgado of Cabo Verde, Ambassador Patricia Benedetti of El Salvador, and Ambassador Simon Manley of the United Kingdom emphasized the importance of the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration adopted at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference. Ambassador Manley stated, “This paragraph is of crucial importance, as it gives a ministerial mandate to the WTO to work on trade and gender, as recognized by some members at the IWG meeting held right after MC13.”
A notable development was the introduction of a policy tool designed to support women entrepreneurs' financial inclusion. The Compendium of Financial Inclusion Initiatives was developed in collaboration with the Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and is available as a database prepared by the WTO Secretariat. Additionally, an International Prize on Gender Equality in Trade will be awarded annually to honor impactful gender-responsive trade policies.
The IWG highlighted successful "sharing experience" sessions where members presented initiatives like the Gender-Responsive Trade Action Group Agreement (GTAGA) and activities from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and G20 related to gender. Discussions also covered women's leadership and strategies for promoting economic opportunities through trade. Collaboration with the MSME Working Group included a joint workshop focused on women-led businesses and intellectual property.
Presentations from winners of the International Prize on Gender Equality in Trade showcased innovative approaches. Pakistan’s Khadijah Program supports women entrepreneurs entering international markets; Spain’s DESAFÍA San Francisco Program aids women-led start-ups scaling globally; Chile's gender chapters promote equitable policies; Colombia’s She Exports to Africa connects women-led businesses with African markets; Australia’s Investing in Women Program advances workplace gender equality in Southeast Asia.
Updates from member countries further illustrated efforts towards gender equality in trade. Australia highlighted initiatives under its Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) focusing on expanding opportunities for women in healthcare and education sectors. Brazil shared its G20 initiatives like Elas Exportam mentorship program addressing barriers for women exporters.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Secretariat introduced General Recommendation No. 40 advocating for gender parity in decision-making systems related to trade governance. The WTO Secretariat updated its training programs for officials on gender-responsive policymaking and preparations for the 2025 World Trade Congress on Gender.
Looking forward, Co-Chairs thanked members for their contributions throughout 2024 while emphasizing sustaining momentum into 2025 with plans including new policy tools development, deeper collaborations, and highlighting exemplary initiatives.