Trade might sound like a numbers game—exports, imports, GDP—but behind every statistic are real people. And among them, women who are innovating, hustling, and transforming their communities. Still, we see women underrepresented in global trade. They face systemic barriers to accessing finance, markets, and networks. They’re less likely to own formal businesses, and when they do, they’re often boxed into lower-value sectors.
Trade policy can feel technical and distant, but it’s deeply personal. It shapes who gets access to opportunity, who benefits from growth, and who’s left behind. For women—especially those running small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—trade policy can either be a gateway or a gatekeeper.