The co-chairs of the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Trade and Gender, Ambassador Clara Delgado from Cabo Verde, Ambassador Patricia Benedetti from El Salvador, and Ambassador Simon Manley from the United Kingdom, have reported on consultations with members to set priorities ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). They emphasized the need for a Work Plan for 2025-26 to advance the group's substantive work.
Members discussed key themes such as gender-disaggregated trade data, digitalization for women's empowerment, support for women entrepreneurs, and integrating gender issues across World Trade Organization (WTO) bodies. A draft work plan is expected soon.
The WTO has launched the second edition of the International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade to honor impactful gender-responsive trade policies. The application deadline has been extended to May 15, with eight submissions so far. Winners will be announced in June 2025. The prize was first introduced on International Women's Day in 2024 and will now be awarded annually following a decision by the IWG in November 2024.
An update was provided on the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund by the WTO Secretariat and International Trade Centre (ITC). Launched at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in February 2024, it has raised USD 22 million to support women-led businesses in digital economies. The fund offers grants up to USD 30,000 along with technical support to enhance digital competence and market access.
Applications are open for women entrepreneurs through four selected business support organizations in Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia, and Nigeria. Over 2,000 applications have been received since April 22, 2025.
The Dominican Republic presented its progress with ProDominicana's gender-responsive program supporting women exporters since 2020. Initiatives include export promotion plans and tracking platforms for women-led businesses. Annual events like Women in Export meetings foster partnerships and B2B opportunities.
ProDominicana collaborates with government bodies and international partners such as ITC on projects like SheTrades Hub and WEIDE Fund to strengthen women's participation in exports.
The Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) updated members on its efforts related to data on women involved in trade within Central America. Emphasis was placed on integrating gender into trade agreements with policies supporting women’s e-commerce activities and financing access.
Central America's focus includes reducing gender gaps particularly in leadership roles within businesses and political spheres while emphasizing democratic security and economic integration.
Lastly, due to budgetary constraints affecting its length, a one-day symposium will replace what would have been a longer second edition of the World Trade Congress on Gender back-to-back with an upcoming IWG meeting scheduled for July.