As consumer markets evolve through digitalization, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, expanding consumer credit and cross-border trade, new opportunities are emerging alongside new risks and vulnerabilities. While consumer protection frameworks are designed to benefit all consumers, women and girls often face distinct challenges linked to persistent inequalities in access to income, financial services, digital technologies, information and redress mechanisms.
This webinar marks the launch of UNCTAD's new publication, Gender-Responsive Consumer Protection: An Untapped Path to Equality. Drawing on the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection, evidence from UNCTAD's World Consumer Protection Map and international good practices, the publication examines how gender inequalities intersect with consumer markets and identifies opportunities to integrate gender considerations into consumer protection policies, institutions and enforcement mechanisms.
Bringing together policymakers, consumer protection authorities, international organizations and other stakeholders, the event will present the publication's main findings and recommendations, explore their policy implications, and foster discussion on how consumer protection can contribute to gender equality, women's economic empowerment and inclusive, sustainable development. Participants will also exchange views on opportunities for cooperation and future action at the national and international levels.
What will take place
The event will mark the official launch of the UNCTAD publication Gender-Responsive Consumer Protection: An Untapped Path to Equality. It will feature opening remarks, a presentation of the publication's main findings and recommendations, and a panel discussion with representatives of governments, international organizations, academia, consumer protection authorities and other stakeholders, followed by an interactive discussion with participants.
Objective and intended outcome
The webinar aims to raise awareness of the links between consumer protection, gender equality and inclusive development; present evidence and policy recommendations from the publication; showcase relevant national and international experiences; and promote dialogue on strengthening gender-responsive consumer protection frameworks. The intended outcome is to foster greater understanding of the role of consumer protection in advancing gender equality and to encourage policy action, knowledge-sharing and cooperation among stakeholders.
Who may attend
The webinar is open to representatives of UNCTAD member States, consumer protection and competition authorities, international organizations, policymakers, academia, civil society organizations, development practitioners and other interested stakeholders.
