The rise of global e-commerce, contrary to initial expectations, has not eliminated traditional barriers to women’s economic participation. The terms and conditions of big tech-led platform marketplaces do not work for women’s Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with low working capital, lack of credit facilities, and limited ability to bear risk. Can the global digital trade paradigm further gender justice? What policies are necessary to seize the e-commerce opportunity for gender equality and women’s empowerment?

Panelists and audience in a group photo after an event on 'Leveraging e-commerce marketplaces for women’s empowerment' during the 67th UN Commission on the Status of Women.

This event held on the margins of the 67th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York organized by the Gender and Trade Coalition (GTC), is convened by GTC members IT for Change and Public Services International. It is moderated by Anita Gurumurthy, IT for Change and includes the following speakers:

  • Alison Gillwald (Research ICT Africa)
  • Vivi Restuviani (International Women's Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific); and
  • Gloria Mills (Public Services International).

Convenors

ITFC
PSI