Trade and Gender Linkages: An Analysis of Central America

This teaching manual was developed to enhance the capacity of policymakers, civil society, and academics to assess the gender implications of trade flows and trade policy, and to formulate gender-sensitive policies on gender and trade. It provides a review of theoretical frameworks and empirical studies on the two-way relationship between gender and trade. It applies to Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama). It inter alia covers trade liberalization policies and presents a comparative picture of the socio-economic profiles of the countries. It examines the gender gaps in education, access to resources and opportunities and gender-based violence. It discusses the implications of these gaps for women’s participation in trade.