Inclusive trade for women: examining gender provisions in free trade agreements

This paper examines the inclusion and effectiveness of gender-specific provisions in international trade agreements, with a focus on their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) on gender equality. Using a qualitative content analysis of twenty selected trade agreements from 2000 to 2024, the study maps provisions related to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and women’s participation in economic development. The analysis considers the location, nature (binding vs. non-binding), scope, and enforceability of these provisions. Findings reveal a growing recognition of gender issues in trade agreements, with most provisions addressing discrimination and workplace equality, while gaps remain in areas such as access to economic resources, ICT empowerment, and elimination of harmful practices. The study also highlights regional variations and the predominance of aspirational language in some agreements, limiting enforceability. By situating the analysis within a feminist political economy framework, the paper underscores that trade policies are not gender-neutral and interact with structural barriers affecting women’s economic participation. The study concludes with policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of gender-responsive trade agreements, including stronger legal commitments, monitoring mechanisms, capacity-building initiatives, and inclusive consultation processes. Overall, the paper contributes to understanding how international trade governance can support women’s economic empowerment and inform more equitable, sustainable trade policies.