Under the theme “Gender Equality for Sustainable Trade and Recovery”, the World Trade Congress on Gender will take place at the WTO from 5 to 7 December to explore how gender equality can foster sustainable trade and how trade can support women in times of crisis. The Congress aims to highlight research work conducted by trade and gender experts, showcase new research initiatives and promote innovative thinking on trade and gender.

The Congress is the first international research conference to be held on trade and gender. It is jointly organized by the WTO Gender Research Hub and the WTO Trade and Gender Unit.

The Congress intends to promote research on trade and gender by bringing together the most prominent researchers in this field and highlighting the latest findings. Trade and gender experts from around the world will share their perspectives on gender-related trade issues, promote the benefits of gender mainstreaming in research and bring together researchers and policymakers to encourage gender-responsive trade policies.

Over 20 research papers on trade and gender will be presented at the Congress, exploring themes such as gender provisions in regional trade agreements, women entrepreneurs, gender-responsive policy making, and the impact of COVID-19. The Congress will also feature two plenary sessions looking at gender-based violence, women’s economic empowerment and the role of trade, and how global crises impact women the most. The program also includes a book launch and a “speed-meeting” session between researchers and policymakers to encourage partnerships.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will open the Congress, which begins with high-level panels bringing together representatives from the government, the private sector, and international organizations.