Gender mainstreaming in African Continental Free Trade Area national implementation strategies: an inclusive and sustainable pathway towards gender equality in Africa

Abstract

This working paper is intended to support member states to incorporate gender mainstreaming into AfCFTA national implementation strategies. Gender mainstreaming refers to “the process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programs, in all areas and at all levels. Highlighting priority issues for consideration as part of this process can help to guide member States in the design and implementation of gender-sensitive policies and context-specific complementary measures, to advance the objective of gender equality under the AfCFTA Agreement, as a pathway to the structural transformation and sustainable development of Africa. The working paper is organized as follows: chapter II expands on AfCFTA and the inclusion of gender related provisions. Chapter III underscores the importance of mainstreaming gender into AfCFTA and explains how this process will unfold in AfCFTA national implementation strategies. Chapter IV examines the opportunities for women as traders, entrepreneurs, producers and wage workers under AfCFTA, and discusses complementary and reinforcing measures that African countries can take to tackle trade facilitation in the context of AfCFTA. Chapter V highlights the potential impact of AfCFTA for women in agriculture, manufacturing and services trade, and identifies complementary gender-sensitive measures to advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in these priority economic sectors. To conclude, chapter VI provides brief policy messages for consideration.