Last month, Women's EDGE and others were able to kick start that process and get our feet in the door. At the meeting with Ms. LeaMond, Marceline White briefed USTR staff as to why gender and development needs must be reflected in trade negotiations and agreements. The group then presented several proposals to the USTR for consideration. In addition, the working group will be forwarding a list of candidates to participate in industry advisory committees. These committees were formed to enable industry to advocate for pro-business positions on U.S. trade policy and negotiating objectives with U.S. trade staff.
Committees have direct access to trade negotiators and to the text under negotiation.
Until recently, no civil society groups participated in these committees. It is imperative that women's specific needs and concerns as well as the developmental impact of trade policy be included in these discussions. Last week the U.S. Congress packed up and headed home for a summer of campaigning before finishing many of the bills that fund the nation's programs, including international assistance. During debate on the House version of the bill, an interesting turn of events occurred that increased funding in several areas critical to women's development. Many developing countries spend more on debt payments than they do on education and health care.