1. Gender Equality in Aid for Trade: How can we do better? Henni Arup, Office of Trade Negotiations Annemarie Reerink, Gender Equality Branch April 2016

2. Effectiveness: Economic growth can promote gender equality but only if with the right policy settings. Trade is not gender-neutral: women very often lack equal opportunities Promoting gender equality is the right thing to do and ‘smart economics’ Aid for trade investments can have a positive role in women’s economic empowerment, when well designed and implemented Internal compliance: Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Strategy DFAT’s strategic target: more than 80% of aid investments, regardless of their objectives, effectively promote gender equality in implementation:  We’re getting there…  It does apply to investments without a gender equality objective!  But there is a risk if we do not look at this and the A4T target simultaneously! Why?

3. Investments with gender equality as a principal or significant objective are associated with higher performance on all AQC criteria Quality standards around gender equality have been seldom met in past years in AfT investment implementation Belated attention (or retrofitting) is often expensive and time consuming, with little guarantee of effective outcomes There is a need for gender analysis to be better attuned to the technical nature of our AfT investments, with concrete points for follow up Partner-led designs can be challenging, but there is increasing evidence and tools to support partners persuade reluctant government agencies The evidence

4.  At a minimum, ensure that we don’t make things worse  Risks and opportunities: it’s complicated…  Increases in income can enable women to live more independent lives, but may also lead to increased time poverty and/or increased risk of violence  There are few simple fixes: poverty and inequalities are often deeply rooted in socio-cultural beliefs and practices  But on the basis of good analysis and with concerted effort, sustainable change is possible  Substantive participation is a good starting point but we also need to address disadvantage and inequality, to promote inclusive growth From ‘Do No Harm’ to participation to empowerment?

5. Evidence: Do we have data on gender inequalities and women’s level of engagement and benefit? Stakeholders: What can we learn from women about constraints to participation and equal benefits? Analysis: What role do gender inequalities play in the problem we’re trying to address? Theory of Change: Are we clear about our own and others’ assumptions on how change on gender equality and on women’s empowerment will happen? Strategy: Given the context, opportunities and constraints, what are the entry points and strategies to improve gender equality and women’s empowerment? How do we ensure gender is integrated throughout the investment ? Monitoring: What do we need to include in MEL framework to ensure we can track progress on gender equality, test our assumptions and monitor any unintended consequences? What to look for?

6. Trade facilitation: Women active as producers and business owners, but absent from much data/business surveys, and with low formal representation in A4T forums Different constraints and experience of business enabling environment (discrimination in access to services; unequal legal status; violence or harassment; lack of mobility and infrastructure, time poverty, lack of networks, family support and role models, lesser access to finance, etc.) Crowded into few sectors, more often running small-scale and informal businesses, and poor labour conditions (sector impact) What are some of the issues in Asia?

7. Trade policy/reform: Low representation of women in decision-making Little availability of sex-disaggregated data and gender analysis Productivity enhancement: Education and skill gaps; labour market segmentation (job stereotyping); access (mobility, information) Low levels of representation in sector or professional associations Legal framework not conducive or discriminatory and/or socio-cultural barriers, keeping women from entering particular sectors or professions Issues in Asia (continued)

8. Scope of services Plan for specific deliverables around gender equality outcomes, on basis of gender analysis, consultation with relevant stakeholders, and budget allocation Make visible how women are expected to benefit Team composition / Terms of Reference Specifying gender expertise Include women / diverse perspectives on teams M&E frameworks Prioritise collection and analysis of sex-disaggregated data Test assumptions & monitor unintended outcomes/consequences Reporting requirements At a minimum, ensure we get the information needed for AQC reporting! From design to implementation…

9. All investments, regardless of their objectives, are required to make efforts, at least to ensure women benefit equally, and where possible to promote gender equality. All investments are expected to monitor and report on results, both intended and unintended (to the extent practical) It is much more efficient and effective to build in gender equality considerations from the start. Commission gender analysis and include gender expertise as part of all large- scale design processes. We can help locate expertise and identify practical solutions. Take home messages

10. Choosing one of the two case studies below, identify key gender-related issues, and recommend ways in which DFAT, and other investment partners, can minimise risks and maximise benefits related to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Case Study A: A “Mining for Development” Facility, working with mining companies, government and local businesses, communities and civil societies, on: (1)skills development to build the capacity of national institutions to deliver quality minerals skills education and training; (2)improved employment and livelihoods opportunities and outcomes, and economic diversification for mining-affected communities; and (3)addressing the enabling environment through responsive technical assistance. Case Study B: Increasing exporters’ access to and performance in export markets, through (1)improved government capacity to negotiate implementable high quality trade agreements; (2)a strengthened export-related National Quality Infrastructure system and an improved regulatory environment, including addressing NQI impediments in selected value chains; (3)A responsive small grants facility to address emerging trade constraints Group exercise