Trade in services (mostly through modes 1 and 4) has great potential gender-specific benefits. These include expanding the participation of women in the exports of services, as well as increasing mobility for women in the provision of services such as education, health or professional services abroad. Trade also has the potential to foster progressive policy objectives and social goals.

Providing a snapshot of the current situation in terms of gender access and equality provides governments and policymakers with the information needed to see where attention can be directed and where the greatest gain can be made in terms of progressive and inclusive policies. In some instances, sectors or reforms may disproportionately (both positively and negatively) affect women. However, data disaggregated by gender remains an issue, particularly for Africa, and it is not always up to date. In this Trade Brief, we have attempted our best to disaggregate and compile data from a variety of sources to give some idea of the gender in services landscape for Sub-Saharan Africa.

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