Technology and science are driving forces shaping the global economy. Therefore, digital inclusion and innovation play important roles for women’s economic empowerment, giving them new opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). However, worldwide, women represent only 35% of STEM students and merely 3% of students in information and communication technology, indicating gender gaps in technology literacy, access and use. Also, rural women continue to be excluded from the benefits of innovation and the digital economy

Within this global context and under the theme “Gender Equality and Innovation, the Keys to Sustainable Trade”, the 2025 World Trade Congress on Gender intends to pioneer research on how gender equality, innovation and trade interconnect.

In particular, the Congress will deepen the understanding of how women’s empowerment can help countries promote innovation and how trade can contribute to this.