Compliance with trade-related sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures can have significant socio-economic impacts on the populations of low and middle-income countries, including women. The fact that socially-constructed entitlements and responsibilities differ between men and women determines (and at the same time reflects) the prevailing distribution of resources, access to livelihood opportunities, participation in information and knowledge sharing networks, decision-making power, and legal, social, and political rights. The gender issues associated with SPS measures have, however, received limited attention to date. This paper provides a review of these issues and makes the case for gender mainstreaming across the SPS arena, both nationally and internationally.
Written by Spencer Henson