An interesting topic came up during April’s #TradeElite chat on the future of agriculture – women’s roles in the global value chain and the unique challenges they face worldwide. We decided this was a major topic for discussion, well worth investigating further.

To do that, we rounded up some of the most influential voices we could find who are not only experts on the topic, but who deal with women’s issues, working to improve their lives daily.

We were thrilled at the interest we received and what followed was a fascinating discussion with some of the most insightful responses you will see in 140 characters. At FITT, we’re not done exploring this important topic, but for now, enjoy the recap of our Twitter chat below.

Moderator: Clarecia Christie, CITP|FIBP (@ClareciaChriste), Project Manager and Team Lead, Trade Information Services at Trade Facilitation Office of Canada, based out of Ottawa, Ontario.

Panelists:

Vanessa Erogbogbo (@VErogbogbo), Head of Programme at the International Trade Centre, based in Geneva, Switzerland

Kara Klassen (@KaraKlassen), Project Manager, Women’s Economic Opportunities at Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), based in Kitchener, Ontario

Idalia Obregon (@Idalia_Obregon), Executive Director at Belgian Canadian Business Chamber, based in Toronto, Ontario

Leah Goold-Haws (@LeahGlobal), Director, Global Trade & Logistics at Long Beach City College and Founder of Girls Gone Global, based in Los Angeles, California

Andrea Ewart (@developtradelaw), International Trade Attorney & Consultant at DevelopTradeLaw, LLC and President of Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT), based in Washington, D.C.

A1: Business owned by women grow faster, and generate 3 times more jobs compared to non-minority businesses owned #TradeElite

— Idalia Obregon (@idalia_obregon) June 2, 2016

What are some of the biggest challenges women face in the global value chain workforce around the world?

A2. Women lack good role models within communities, & can’t always access opportunities to reach participation in #GBV itself. #tradeelite

— Kara Klassen (@karaklassen) June 2, 2016

we want to see those numbers go up #tradeelite https://t.co/2R9B3NBNpx

— Caroline Tompkins (@carolineFITT) June 2, 2016

How are gender inequalities around the world affecting women’s roles in the GVC?

A3: As women gain access to greater roles/pay we can reach out to women globally and lift all ships. This is best path 2 change #tradeelite

— Leah Goold-Haws (@LeahGlobal) June 2, 2016

A2. Gender inequality written in law 90% of countries at least 1 legal barrier @WorldBank women biz law #TradeElite https://t.co/D7vbSyCWU7

— vanessa erogbogbo (@verogbogbo) June 2, 2016

A3. In developing nations women are primary for “chores”. Even in Cda it’s not 50/50 yet. That’s a huge burden. #TradeElite

— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) June 2, 2016

What market access opportunities exist for women in global value chains today?

What tools are in place to inform women of opportunities along a company’s value chain(s)?

@jennmuch freed up resources can fill gaps and provide access to rural areas #tradeelite

— Caroline Tompkins (@carolineFITT) June 2, 2016

Do you think businesses should be incentivised to include women in their GVC or should it be a CSR tool?

Q8: CSR is a great incentive, especially if combined with women buying power. We’ll buy from you because you buy from women #TradeElite

— Andrea Ewart (@developtradelaw) June 2, 2016

What are some of the risks for women in businesses new to accessing GVCs?

A9. Being over-charged. Not negotiating or questioning prices & services. Push back! Don’t accept 2nd best #TradeElite

— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) June 2, 2016

Read the rest of the chat and follow future discussions by following the #TradeElite hashtag.

Stay tuned for the next #TradeElite chat, coming up Thursday, July 7 at 2:30-3:30PM ET.

The post What are the opportunities, challenges and issues women face in the global value chain? appeared first on Trade Ready.