Working Paper No. 17 - The gender dimensions of globalization of production

The globalization of production has given women opportunities for new areas of paid employment, to earn an income, be more independent, and have an active social life. However, employment is mostly informal that imply poor working conditions, lack of labour rights, and is in addition to household and family responsibilities. In general, men are more likely to obtain formal employment while women diverge to the informal sector, which creates gender inequality. The challenge at hand is how to make more gender sensitive policies that take into account related reproductive rights of women workers and the labour rights of productive workers by involving the government, private sector, trade unions, and other civil society organizations. Accommodating women into the workforce by creating informal worker organizations can help to reduce discrimination, facilitate job opportunities, and maintain their dual responsibilities is essential for economic growth and human development overall.

This paper was written as an insight into the work of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization 2004 that aims to provide a fairer globalization for all.