Opportunities and challenges for small-scale women traders: East African custom unions

Abstract

This paper presents the gender analysis of the customs union in its entirety. The objective of the gender analysis of the customs union is to sensitise women traders on the customs union so that they can take full advantage of the customs union ideals. It is written within the framework of increasing women's participation in economic activities, specific focus being on regional cross border trade, to as to enhance women's economic autonomy as a key strategy to accelerate economic development within the three East African countries and reduce poverty within the region. It consists of two main parts. Part I starts by giving a background conceptual framework on women and economy. It then proceeds to giving a highlight of Africa regional trade agreements mentioning the East African Community Treaty under the auspices of which the East African Community Customs Union Protocol is formulated. The paper then explores women's participation in trade in the East African region with a bias on women's participation in cross border trade in the region.