This chapter provides an overview of the growing influence of both labour standards and gender equality concerns in contemporary trade debates, and in particular how existing FTAs have increasingly accommodated both types of issues. In the following sections, the chapter will first chart out the relationship between trade and labour and thereafter discuss the nexus between trade and gender concerns.

Labor rights and working conditions may be affected if international trade and investment agreements are concluded between contracting parties. Some assert that these agreements advance states’ labor conditions because boosting economic activities creates job opportunities and raises wages. Others are concerned that the “race-to-the-bottom”

The overarching aim of the project is to reflect upon the discussion on women and trade that takes place within the larger WTO context and draw conclusions on how to better achieve inclusiveness in trade. The project began when TURKTRADE, an NGO in Turkey with 34 member firms (representing 15% of Turkey’s total exports) approached the Chair with this proposal. There is also demand from the Turkish Ministry of Trade for studies in this field.
 

The main focus of this project is the role that trade may play in empowering women and enhancing their contribution, especially in light of the fact that women participation in labour force in the region is considered the lowest compared to others.