Invisible Women | Trade Tips Podcast

World Bank Group I Trade Tips Podcast

In this episode of the World Bank Group's Trade Tips podcast, we explore why women are so invisible when it comes to trade, and why policies and practices that are gender inclusive matter.

We hear from traders in Rwanda and the Solomon Islands about their challenges, and from the World Bank Group's Heidi Stensland, on possible solutions.

Listen now! Tell us what you think of our podcast here.

Featured Voices

• Maryse Mbonyumutwa, Asantii, pan-African clothing brand based in Rwanda: “For a Rwandan woman, what policies can be put in place to make sure this new industry is going to be a win-win.”
• Diana Yates, cocoa and chocolate exporter, Cathliro Trading, the Solomon Islands: “There are many of us who have export-ready products, but we were not invited or informed. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a female. If we sit back and we do not explore, we will be at a disadvantage.”
• Heidi Stensland, Senior Private Sector Development Specialist, World Bank Group: “Trade has been and will continue to be a very critical driver of poverty reduction. But it’s usually hard to win a game if you are playing with only half the players or far less players than the other team.”

Timestamps

[00:04] Welcome and introduction

[01:24] Meet Asantii: A pan-African clothing brand based in Rwanda

[03:37] Role of women in the garment trade

[04:19] Women: Heart of the business

[05:17] Trade challenges for women

[06:47] Perspective from a cocoa exporter in the Solomon Islands

[08:18] Hear from the World Bank’s lead on trade facilitation and gender in Washington

[08:32] Why does it matter that women participate in trade?

[09:51] What kinds of policy issues impact women?

[11:14] How the Great Lakes region in Africa has helped facilitate inclusion of women in trade

[13:20] Closing and thanks for listening!

Presenter and Producer: Sarah Treanor

Executive Producer: Marisa Zawacki

Cover art: Asantii

Art direction: Cedric Mizero

Photographer: Chris Schwagga

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This podcast was created by the World Bank Group with funding from the Trade Facilitation Support Program (TFSP). The TFSP is funded by nine donor partners: Australia, Canada, the European Commission, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This initiative provides assistance to countries seeking to align their trade practices with the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA).

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ABOUT THE TRADE TIPS PODCAST

This Trade Tips podcast tackles the big issues in the world of trade and explores solutions. In this new podcast from the World Bank Group, we take you on a journey around the globe – from Vanuatu to Ghana, Jamaica to Nepal, London to Washington, DC. Through conversations with traders who are being affected by key issues like climate change, digitization, gender – and experts offering cutting-edge solutions – we highlight why trade matters and how it can be made more efficient. Don't miss an episode! Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform. Tell us what you think of our podcast here.

ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUP

The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUP’S WORK ON TRADE

Trade is an engine of growth that creates better jobs, reduces poverty, and increases economic opportunity. The World Bank Group works with client countries to improve their access to markets and enhance their participation in the global economy. Learn more.