The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Urges the G7 Leaders’ Summit 2025 to Support Women in Trade to Advance G7 Priorities
Women business owners in Canada and globally contribute to achieving G7 priorities, particularly economic security, supply chain sustainability, and inclusive growth. In this time of increased protectionism, trade wars and economic coercion, women business owners are builders and innovators and must not be overlooked or disregarded in the calculations of the effects of tariffs and the design of trade adjustment measures. It is well known that economic upheaval disproportionately affects women.
As global champions of fairness, human rights and gender equality, and sustainable development, G7 members must promote responsible and inclusive trade policies that will drive economic resilience, sustainable development, and prosperity for all. OWIT Canada calls on G7 Leaders to:
- Ensure that women workers and business owners are not disproportionately affected by tariffs or counter measures.
- Ensure that all trade agreements remove barriers to participation and benefit women in all their diversity.
- Establish innovative policies and programs to support women business owners in their entrepreneurship journey and participation in trade.
The G7’s leadership on businesswomen and women in trade is critical at this time and implementing these measures will demonstrate the continued importance of supporting women in trade and helping avoid any retreat on progress made in recent years.
Background:
The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) has been in Canada for over 25 years. OWIT Canada’s chapters in Ottawa and Toronto are professional not-for-profit volunteer organizations with over 2500 individual and corporate members across Canada. Their members are certified trade experts, business owners, service providers, and academics, and they provide information, education, capacity building, networking and mentoring opportunities. OWIT has an extensive network globally with 26 chapters spanning four continents, including chapters in most G7 economies, with 2 in Canada, 10 in the USA, and 3 in Europe, as well as chapters in Africa and Latin America.
www.owit-ottawa.ca
www.owit-toronto.ca www.owit.org
Contacts:
Nathalie Bradbury, President, OWIT-Ottawa
Susan Baka, President, OWIT-Toronto
Georgina Wainwright-Kemdirim, VP Policy, OWIT-Ottawa
info@owit-ottawa.ca
info@owit-toronto.ca
