- Kari Norman
Economist
Economic Viewpoint
The Missing Half: Unlocking Women’s Potential in International Trade
March 7, 2025
Trade has long been a key driver of Canada’s economic growth, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in the sectors that contribute most to international trade.
Past efforts to integrate gender considerations into trade agreements have had limited success, as they often lack enforceability and results have been difficult to measure.
Further complicating this landscape, recent policy shifts south of the border regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) could influence future trade agreement discussions, potentially affecting Canada’s ability to push for stronger gender-related provisions.
Policies supporting women in trade should include measures to strengthen financial support, add more flexibility to meet the needs of owner-caregivers, enhance training and mentorship, simplify regulatory processes, as well as monitor, measure and enforce gender provisions in Canada’s trade agreements.
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