The ECOWAS Commission organized a Regional Meeting of Experts from Member States on gender mainstreaming in trade from September 24 to 26, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The three-day meeting aimed to promote inclusive and sustainable trade within ECOWAS by encouraging Member States to incorporate gender considerations into their national trade policies and initiatives. The event also sought to empower women in business and provided a platform for trade and gender focal points to share national initiatives, challenges, and input on community texts.
The opening ceremony was moderated by Mr. Kolawole Sofola, the Director of Trade of the ECOWAS Commission. It included remarks from representatives of the European Union, ECOWAS, and Nigeria.
Mr. Isioma Frank Okafor, Representative of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized that mainstreaming gender in national trade policies is both timely and essential for ensuring women have equal business opportunities.
Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the ECOWAS Commission, noted that women-owned businesses often struggle to access export markets. She highlighted that women workers are overrepresented in low-wage sectors while trade policies frequently overlook gender-specific needs.
“Addressing these disparities is crucial for promoting inclusive and equitable trade practices,” she stated. “Unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs and workers ensures that international trade benefits all members of society.”
Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, remarked on the historical significance of trade for regional integration as envisioned by the founding fathers of ECOWAS. "In addition to being a source of income," she said, "it plays an important role in sustainable development because of its contribution to national and regional growth."
Dr. Simon Omo-Ezomo, Director for Special Duties at Nigeria's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments, underscored the importance of inclusive and sustainable trade within the ECOWAS region. He stressed that mainstreaming gender in trade policies can create a more equitable trading environment benefiting all members of society.
Attendees included Gender and Trade Experts from ECOWAS Member States, regional stakeholders in Gender and Trade, as well as representatives from the ECOWAS Commission. The meeting focused on validating a Trade and Gender Plan of Action (2024-2027), considering various trade instruments and initiatives, reviewing findings on Women in Trade studies, presenting regional initiatives on trade facilitation related to gender issues, among other topics.
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