The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on member states to mainstream gender into their trade policies to achieve the objectives of the African Continental Trade (AfCTA). ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, made the plea at the opening of a regional meeting on trade and gender in Abuja on Tuesday. She said that promoting inclusive sub-regional trade by empowering women in business was in line with regional approaches and guidelines, as well as international best practices. Toure-Litse described international trade as a powerful driver for wealth creation and development with women representing about 50 per cent of the global workforce facing barriers to participating in it. 'Women-owned businesses often struggle to access export markets, and women workers are overrepresented in low-wage, low-skilled sectors. 'Trade policies frequently overlook gender-specific needs and perspectives, exacerbating existing inequalities,' the commi ssioner said. She said that addressing these disparities was crucial for promoting inclusive and equitable trade practices, unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs and workers, and ensuring that international trade benefited all. 'However, increased trade supported by discriminatory trade policies is acknowledged to be a catalyst for the possible widening of the inequality gap between men and women involved in trade. 'According to UN Women, it is estimated that 70 per cent of informal cross-border trade in Africa is conducted by women traders. 'I am pleased to note that ECOWAS has already developed several community texts and initiatives to promote gender-inclusive trade. 'These efforts align with our commitment to deepening regional integration and accelerating development through inclusive trade,' the commissioner said. See also Border closure was to enforce protocol among neighbouring countries- NCS The commissioner urged participants to share their expertise and constructively discuss the is sue of gender mainstreaming in trade to enrich the ECOWAS draft action plan on trade and gender. 'A well-crafted action plan will definitely contribute to achieving the Vision 2050, AfCTA, the AU Agenda 2063 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals,' she said. Toure-Litse said the entry into force of AfCFTA had culminated in great opportunities for increased intra-African trade, and solicited necessary steps for it to provide equal opportunities for men and women. 'In this regard, the regional AfCFTA implementation strategy aims to achieve objectives such as gender equality and structural transformation of state parties. 'Specifically, the strategy aims to contribute to the positive gender and youth impact of AfCFTA through women and youth-led-business activities, employment and social protection as well as informal cross-border traders,' she added. Declaring the event open, Nigeria's Minister of Trade and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that mainstreaming gender in regional trade policies aimed at creating a prosperous and equitable trade policy. Represented by the ministry's Director, Special Duties, Dr Simon Ozomo, the minister said that gender trade mainstreaming was in line with the Federal Government's trade facilitation policy and relevant community texts. Source: News Agency of Nigeria