The GitGo project seeks to address key issues related to trade and gender through the development of online modules, readily available on YouTube. Our focus is on the Caribbean, with particular attention paid to women entrepreneurs operating in the region. International trade creates both opportunities and challenges for Caribbean countries, and this work will draw attention to gender differentiated impacts within communities.

We are working with partners, including the Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership (CIWIL), the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services (SRC) and independent consultants Barbara Maclaren and Pablo Heidrich.

The videos below are intended to introduce viewers to gendered impacts and opportunities of trade liberalization. The materials are also part of the curriculum for certificate courses taught by CTPL, and courses taught by partners. While the videos are clustered into modules, with the intention of being viewed in a sequential manner, each can also be viewed as a stand-alone resource.

The learning objectives are the same for students who access the materials as part of a course, or more casual visitors to the website. Following a review of the content, viewers should:

  • Understand the basic linkages between trade, growth and poverty and the importance of gender analysis for policy development
  • Understand how gender issues can be addressed by trade policy and the role of impact studies and needs assessments
  • Understand how trade liberalization, or Free Trade Agreements as instruments of development policy may have gendered social structures
  • Learn to be mindful of gender issues in relation to trade policy

Module 1: Gender and Trade, the theory and international comparisons

(Phil Rourke, Barbara MacLaren and Pablo Heinrich)

By the end of viewing these videos, viewers should:

  • Understand why we consider trade and gender
  • Gain an understanding of the importance of trade in the Caribbean
  • Know the different types of assessments, categories of impact
  • Describe the potential benefits and negative gendered impacts of trade
  • Gain an understanding of gendered impacts of trade from case studies in Peru and Colombia.

Trade and gender: from the perspective of a trade strategist

As researchers, stakeholders or policymakers, why consider trade and gender?

Why monitor the possible/actual positive and negative impacts of trade agreements, from a gender perspective? How can we do this?

What evidence of the gendered impacts of trade have we found from field work in Peru & Colombia?

What policies and strategies can we use to address the gendered impacts of trade?


Module 2: What are the impacts of trade policy on gender in the Caribbean?

By the end of viewing the videos below, viewers should:

  • Have a good understanding of the importance of trade in the Caribbean
  • Understand, and be able to give examples of gendered impacts of trade in the Caribbean
  • Gain insight into the importance of considering gender in relation to the services industry

Interview with Dame Billie Miller

Interview with Pamela Coke Hamilton

Interview with Lisa Cummins


Module 3: Small-scale women run businesses, services industry. Their experiences and issues and what can be done to break down barriers

By the end of viewing these videos, viewers should:

  • Understand what the key barriers and key advantages to trade are for women, small-scale entrepreneurs
  • Gain an insight into strategies employed to overcome such obstacles to trade

Rita Hilton, Carita Jamaica Inc.

Dorienne Rowan-Campbell, Rowan’s Royale Coffee

Cinderella Anderson, Mango Valley Pride

Luciela Louis, Rodney’s Wellness Retreat

Raquelle Brown, Irie Rock


Module 4: Food and Nutritional Security: a gendered perspective

By the end of viewing these videos, viewers should:

  • Understand the link between food and nutritional security and trade
  • Gain insight to a gendered analysis of food and nutrition policies.

Interview with Camille Russell

Interview with Neil Paul

Interview with Lystra Paul

Further Resources are available here.

The policy brief is available here.