SheTrades: using data to address constraints to extra-EU trade

Summary

The project aims to provide EU decision makers with solid evidence base on women's participation in extra-EU trade, shaped to be used as input for enhanced inclusion of the gender dimension in free trade agreements.  This will facilitate the adoption of trade policy instruments conducive to increasing women's engagement in trade.

The work will entail:

• Documenting the gender-structure of EU-based trading firms (in terms of management/ownership/employment);
• Assessing the gender-specific impacts of the EU and other trade agreements; as well as
• Identifying the obstacles that hinder women's engagement in extra-EU trade as exporters and/or importers.

The method developed in the framework of the project can be replicated in other countries, and can play a crucial role in closing the data gap on women's  participation in international trade highlighted in the Buenos Aires Declaration.

The project will combine two main components:

1. A review of existing gender chapters or provisions relevant for gender equality or women's economic empowerment in trade agreements;

2. A pilot survey of businesses aimed at assessing women's participation in extra-EU trade and identifying main obstacles which prevent or hinder women entrepreneurs from engaging in trade activities.

Through this combined approach, the project will contribute to the identification of issues, which can be addressed in trade agreements (or other trade policy instruments) in order to enhance the opportunities for women to benefit from these agreements.