A conversation on gender and consumer rights

Consumer protection is fundamental for assuring consumers' rights to information, education, safe products, protection of their economic interests, sustainable consumption, dispute resolution, or non-discrimination.

Yet information and advertising are often not presented in a gender-neutral way, contributing to stereotyping and patterns that do not support gender equality. Also, some existing gender inequalities, such as in education or access to resources, may justify different consumer protection initiatives and tools for better supporting women.

Recognizing these concerns, the recently adopted Argentinian Guide for Good Practices in Consumer Relations with the Perspective on Gender and Diversity provides valuable recommendations on how to engage in consumer relations respecting gender and diversity.

UNCTAD will host an online panel session to highlight the gender dimension and challenges related to consumer rights, and discuss the roles and responsibilities of various actors.
 

Key issues to be addressed:

• Consumer protection: Do women have a special role to play?
• Why is stereotyping in advertisement a concern from the perspective of consumer protection? And what role can policy play?
• What are the evolving needs of protecting consumers in the digital world, is there a gender dimension?
• Examples of where consumer protection made a difference for women
• What is the role of the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection in terms of promoting social and economic development and sustainability?
   

Programme

Watch video recording