Women in value chains: making a difference

Abstract

Global value chains (GVCs) offer important opportunities for women worldwide to earn a living – garments, tourism, mobile phones and commercial horticulture are good examples. Women can play a vital role in supporting value chain upgrading – as workers, farmers, producers and consumers. Yet women’s skills are often undervalued and they are stuck in low-status jobs. Work in GVCs is potentially empowering for women. Policy and commercial strategies need to proactively support the more equitable participation of women, because this enhances value chain upgrading, improves women’s lives and promotes more inclusive development.

This is a revised version of the Summit Briefing which informed panel discussions and stimulated debate at the Capturing the Gains Summit, ‘Capturing the Gains in Value Chains’, held in Cape Town, South Africa, 3-5 December 2012 (http://www.capturingthegains.org/ summit/). It incorporates recommendations arising from debate with key stakeholders at the Summit.

Citation

Christian, M.; Evers, B.; Barrientos, S. Women in value chains: making a difference. (2013) 6 pp. [Revised Summit Briefing No. 6.3]

Women in value chains: making a difference

Published 1 January 2013