Achieving Gender Justice By Fair Trade Enterprises

Leida Rijnhout, Chief Executive Officer, World Fair Trade Organisation

 IWD 2024

The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is the global community and verifier of enterprises that fully practise Fair Trade advocating for a sustainable world.

Fair Trade Enterprises believe that gender justice isn't just about doing what's right; but also about doing what works. They understand gender justice as a strategic necessity to unlock sustainable development, more resilient communities, and create a fair world for all. They see women as crucial actors in the transitioning of the present unsustainable economies into fair and green ones.

For WFTO, gender justice in business means fostering an environment where women entrepreneurs thrive, particularly within Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Women in Fair Trade Enterprises are more likely to cover leadership roles, they have access to capacity-building training, resources and a supportive network. 

It means advocating for policy change, to ensure that women are not economically marginalised, unfairly compensated and have equal access to opportunities for social and economic advancement. 

It means promoting fair and equitable trade agreements that support the impact of SMEs, most of which are women-led, while advocating for the inclusion of gender-specific provisions and safeguards, ensuring that trade policies do not worsen gender disparities or undermine women's rights.

And it means strengthening partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to coordinate efforts and leverage resources towards advancing gender justice in business, ensuring a collective and sustainable impact on women's economic empowerment.

On this year’s International Women’s Day, WFTO Fair Trade Enterprises #InspireInclusion by making gender justice part of their core mission to leverage a new, fair and just economy.