What is gender?

'Gender' refers to the socially constructed roles of and relations between men and women, while 'Sex' refers to biological characteristics which define humans as female or male. These biological characteristics are not mutually exclusive however, as there are individuals who possess both.

'Gender relations' are characterised by unequal power. 'Gender norms' assign specific entitlements and responsibiltiies to men and women - for example, women might be expected to take on caring or domestic duties and remain close to home, while men may be expected to be the main breadwinnner, working outside the home, with greater freedom to move around in public places.

gender inequality persists - this has implications for women's capacity to benefit from global trade policy

This is known as the gendered division of labour. In all countries of the world, women continue to exist in roles and relationships that often make them subordinate to men, because they are paid less than men for the same work, because their movements are restricted, or because they are not permitted to take on higher status work.

Acceptable 'gender roles', like those outlined above, are often translated into economic policies and activities. Despite the fact that many governments have ratified international gender instruments such as CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women), gender inequality persists. This has implications for women's capacity to benefit from global trade policy.