The effect of trade on the gender gap in labour markets: the moderating role of information and communication technologies

Abstract

This study analyses the impact of international trade on the gender gap in labour force participation while considering the moderating role of information and communication technologies (ICT). Our analyses of panel data from 79 developing economies over 2006–2019 reveal that international trade narrows gender gap, and the interaction between trade and ICT is likely to widen it. Further, the impact of these two parameters on the gender gap varies across economies by development level and region. Developing economies should strategically focus on trade promotion and adopt gender-equitable ICT development policies to narrow gender gap.