The International Conference on Gender Dimensions of Trade, held at Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU) in Jabalpur, kicked off on August 24, 2024. This inaugural event, running through August 25, marks a significant milestone as the first conference organized by the Centre for Studies in International Trade and International Investment Laws (CITIL) at DNLU. The conference is being conducted under the auspices of the WTO Chairs Programme and in collaboration with the Gender and Trade Offices of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Centre for Trade and Investment Laws of the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Centre for International Trade Law at National Law University, Odisha.
Check for Amazing Discount on Electronic Gadgets*The opening ceremony featured notable figures including Justice G.S. Ahluwalia, a Judge of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh; Prof. Manoj K. Sinha, Vice Chancellor of DNLU; Ms. Anoush der Boghossian, Head of the WTO’s Trade and Gender Office; Prof. James J. Nedumpara, Head of the Centre for Trade and Investment Law and the WTO India Chair; Prof. Sheela Rai, Dean at National Law University, Odisha; Prof. Shailesh N. Hadli, Registrar of DNLU; and Mr. Utkarsh K. Mishra, Director of CITIL.
Check for Amazing Discount on Electronic Gadgets*In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Manoj K. Sinha expressed his gratitude to the esteemed guests and acknowledged the support of Professor James J. Nedumpara in making the conference possible. He also highlighted Ms. Anoush der Boghossian’s efforts, who traveled from Geneva for the event, and commended Prof. Sheela Rai for her influential work on the book “Women & Trade.” Prof. Sinha praised Mr. Utkarsh K. Mishra for his role in organizing the event.
Justice G.S. Ahluwalia addressed the audience by stressing the importance of addressing gender discrimination. He urged students to embody the principles of Dharma, drawing on the university’s name, and emphasized that trade can help reduce discrimination by providing economic stability, especially for women. He noted that trade encompasses more than just the exchange of goods and requires legal expertise to be effectively implemented.
Prof. Sheela Rai, in her keynote address, spoke about the crucial role of women in trade and the ongoing disparities in their participation. She underlined the significance of her newly published book, which explores the challenges women face in trade and aims to draw attention to these issues for policymakers.
Prof. James J. Nedumpara discussed the societal constructs that perpetuate gender inequality, despite the fundamental equality of all individuals. He highlighted the importance of integrating women into the economy to unlock their full potential and stressed that gender should not be a barrier in society.
Ms. Anoush der Boghossian shared her insights on the persistent issue of gender inequality in trade. She discussed the WTO’s efforts over the past eight years to make trade more inclusive for women and expressed optimism about trade policy’s role in promoting gender equality and expanding global trade.
The conference also saw the unveiling of the book “Women & Trade” by the distinguished guests. This publication is a testament to the ongoing efforts to explore and address gender dimensions in trade.
The WTO Chairs Programme is a vital initiative aimed at advancing research, education, and outreach related to international trade and the WTO’s functions. It seeks to deepen understanding of global trade issues, especially in developing countries, and to connect academic research with real-world trade policies.
The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), established in 2016, represents a significant effort by India to enhance its engagement with the global trading system and deepen its understanding of trade and investment laws. Similarly, the Centre for International Trade Law at National Law University, Odisha, founded in 2015, focuses on producing innovative research in international trade and investment law.
The conference at DNLU is a crucial platform for examining the intersection of international trade law and women’s empowerment. As globalization continues to shape economic landscapes, understanding women’s participation in trade and its implications for gender equality is increasingly important. The event featured a range of experts in international trade and policy, including Ms. Anoush der Boghossian, Dr. Sheela Bhide, Prof. V.G. Hegde, and others, all contributing valuable insights into the ongoing discourse on gender dimensions in trade.