GLOBAL
In 2004, working with key partners in U.S. civil society, multilateral institutions, and the academic
community, GFI spearheaded a dialog around the simple notion that, since employment – jobs – is the single
most important economic factor for the vast majority of the world’s population, widespread sustainable
employment needs to be a part of the global development agenda. We believe that sustainable job creation –
not wealth creation that leads to the creation of new jobs – should be central to globalization.
Mission and Objectives
The Women’s Trade & Finance Council has been created to alleviate poverty by fostering greater
inclusion of women’s productivity in global trade flows. The Council’s overarching objective is to
influence trade and finance policies at the international and national levels. In addition, the Council
seeks to cultivate North-South and South-South linkages that expand market and business opportunities,
thereby contributing in measurable terms to sustainable livelihoods.
Who We Are
Originally conceptualized by Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Reema Nanavaty of the Self
Employed Women’s Association in India (SEWA), the Women’s Trade & Finance Council has been established
by the Global Fairness Initiative (GFI) in partnership with Vital Voices Global Partnership. The Council
is comprised of grassroots leaders, international businesswomen, policymakers and thought leaders, all of
whom share a commitment to strengthening the role of women in the global economy. The Council also engages
practitioners, policy experts, economists and others whose knowledge of gender and trade issues bolsters
the credibility and efficacy of its work.
What We Do
Given its composition, the Women’s Trade & Finance Council is uniquely positioned to pursue a
dual-track approach to (1) leverage its high-impact capacity to influence global trade and finance
policymakers, and (2) foster practical linkages that yield near-term business opportunities.
Through its convening power and access to international policymakers, Council members are well
positioned to raise awareness about the gender aspects of international trade and finance, and to
propose reforms that will promote sustainable livelihoods and strengthen developing economies. The
Council is structured to examine and develop solutions to such practical issues as financing terms,
market access barriers, production constraints and supply chain management challenges. In addition,
the Council serves as a forum through which potential partners can pursue pioneering commercial
opportunities and share best practices.