A critical legal analysis of gender equality in international trade agreements

Abstract

Trade can greatly improve women’s lives by creating new job opportunities, increasing consumer choice, and increasing women’s market position in society. If not properly monitored and regulated , it can also lead to unemployment and concentrate the work in low-skilled jobs. Given the complexity and particularity of the relationship between trade and gender, it is important to assess the potential impact of trade policies on men and women and develop appropriate evidence-based strategies to ensure that trade provides power for all. Data are limited and there is a lack of understanding of the relationship between women’s economic roles as workers, consumers, and decision makers and the importance of gender equality in international trade.Hence, in order to understand the importance of gender equality in international trade , as well as to ascertain the role of WTO in ensuring the same and what are the challenges in having a gender inclusive rather a women rights supportive scenario in International trade. Further, this research paper will also analyse the various regional treaty agreements, free trade agreements & Bilateral Investment Treaties and how they have addressed the issue of gender equality or women related provisions while negotiating and drafting the agreements. This paper will also attempt to study how important international conventions like CEDAW & Sustainable Development Goals have also acknowledged the necessity of women economic empowerment in trade affairs.