Policy makers are increasingly turning to integration and upgrading in global value chains (GVCs) as a means of driving development. How can they ensure that both men and women can access and benefit from GVCs? Picture this: A group of young women, dressed alike in trendy uniforms, step out from a high rise office building on their way home from work. These women are first generation college graduates who have landed their first jobs in the Philippines’ growing call centre industry. In a country where GDP per capita is under US$3,000, and many are struggling to seek out a living, or simply move abroad in search of work, the country’s emergence as a leading offshore services provider has offered a very welcome opportunity. Similar stories have frequently been used to highlight how increased globalisation has brought about important change and opportunity for women in the developing world. Other well covered examples are how the growth of ready-to-eat fresh fruit and vegetable exports in East Africa, or of apparel exports in Asia and some African countries, brought with it a boom in employment for young female workers – their first experience with remunerated work. Policy makers are increasingly turning to integration...
Written by Penny Bamber, Cornelia Staritz