Gender parity in the making: Promoting equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making systems
paper
The paper highlights challenges to women's inclusion in decision-making, focusing on economic empowerment and the impact of trade, finance, and investment policies. It summarises insights from a 2024 conference in Bern, co-organized by Prof. Elisa Fornalé (World Trade Institute of the University of Bern), GQUAL and the IIR Prague, which addressed gender parity, women’s leadership, and the role of international law in advancing equality.
This paper examines the challenges women face in achieving inclusive representation in decision-making processes, focusing on economic empowerment and the impact of trade, finance, and investment policies on gender equality. It highlights the increasing integration of gender considerations into international trade, investment, and finance discussions, advocating for a holistic analytical approach.
Key findings stem from the International Conference on Promoting Equal and Inclusive Representation of Women in Decision-Making Systems, held on 23 February 2024 at the World Trade Institute in Bern, co-organized by Prof. Elisa Fornalé (World Trade Institute of the University of Bern), GQUAL and the Institute of International Relations Prague. The event, part of the Swiss National Scientific Foundation project Gender Equality in the Mirror led by by Prof. Elisa Fornalé and the Horizon Europe project HRJust, gathered experts to address challenges faced by women in political leadership. Discussions explored the interconnectedness of women’s economic empowerment, gender parity, and the role of international law in promoting equality.
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