This paper maps out the entry points for women and women’s organisations in the trade policy processes in Uganda, and provides an understanding of the impact of trade policy on different groups in society. Using a series of in-depth interviews with actors in trade policy processes in Uganda, the paper underscores the significant attempts to involve several stakeholders in the policy processes, including women’s organisations, but finds that their chance to influence policies is limited.

Key findings:

Although the national machinery for trade policy consultation and formulation has made some inroads in ensuring the participation of women, in practice the point of entry for women’s organisations falls outside key points of influence in the policy dialogue. The gender balance of the institutions at the centre and those on the periphery of the policy process largely favours men.

Gaps identified:

The findings illustrate both the institutional and analytical gaps which need to be bridged if more gender-aware approaches are to be successfully incorporated into trade policy and practice.