UN Trade and Development renews calls for women’s empowerment – a vital cause that strengthens not only gender equality but also global economic resilience and sustainability.

For most of her life, Marina has worked as a small-scale trader at the Huaquillas border post. She began as a child, selling diapers alongside her family, and now, at 74, she still struggles to earn a living. Like many women in cross-border trade, she faces misinformation about border procedures, limited access to finance, and security risks, compounded by natural disasters and the COVID-19 crisis. Her story reflects broader challenges that women traders encounter daily.

Understanding women’s challenges in trade 

Making trade policies more inclusive starts with listening to women traders. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Policy Brief 98 underscores this, but reaching women in cross-border trade - especially in developing countries, least developed countries and small islands developing states – remains a hurdle. UNCTAD is helping by gathering data, raising awareness and providing training on trade rules, procedures, rights and business skills.

Insights from Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru

UNCTAD’s initiative in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru seeks to empower women traders and shape policies that address their needs. 

The initiative is part of the “Accelerate trade facilitation” programme, jointly implemented by UN Trade and Development and the World Customs Organization, with funding support from the United Kingdom.

As part of this effort, a study launched at the UN Global Supply Chain Forum in May 2024 gathered insights from over 350 women through focus groups, surveys, and site visits at the Huaquillas (Ecuador-Peru) and Desaguadero (Bolivia-Peru) border posts.

Key findings include:

1. Limited access to finance: Nearly half (49%) of surveyed women struggle to secure credit, often turning to informal lenders with high-interest rates. More accessible financial services could ease this burden and reduce exploitation risks.
2. Balancing trade and family responsibilities: Many women are both entrepreneurs and primary caregivers. With 64% being the main household earners, improved infrastructure - such as childcare and healthcare - could ease this dual responsibility.
3. Misinformation about border procedures: Nearly half (49%) of women traders avoid formal registration due to confusion over customs regulations and border procedures. Misinformation fuels informality, increasing risks of penalties and confiscations.
4. Gender digital divide: Although 95% own mobile phones, only 45% use them for trade, and just 12% engage in e-commerce. Expanding digital literacy and e-commerce training could help women reach broader markets.
5. Need for capacity-building: Nearly half (46%) of women surveyed seek capacity-building programmes, highlighting the need for accessible training on trade regulations and entrepreneurship.

Policy and action

UNCTAD calls for policies that address the barriers. The national trade facilitation committees (NTFCs) in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru, in partnership with UNCTAD, are developing action plans and using the UNCTAD Reform Tracker to monitor progress. Key recommendations include improved financial access, capacity-building, and more inclusive trade practices toreduce risks associated with informality and misinformation.

A call to empower women in trade

UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan emphasizes that women are “agents of change” in their communities and economies. Investing in their empowerment strengthens not only gender equality but also economic resilience and sustainability.

Cross-border trade sustains many border communities, yet for countless women, it remains a struggle. With 31% reporting a lack of growth opportunities, UNCTAD’s work is crucial in making trade more accessible and inclusive. By listening to and supporting women traders, UNCTAD fosters broader economic growth, while promoting gender equality.