Global value chains (GVCs) are closely associated with the global sourcing of labour-intensive consumer goods from suppliers in developing countries. Women have been drawn into GVCs at every level: as workers, entrepreneurs, buyers, service providers, managers and consumers. This paper examines how the expansion of GVCs has changed the gender pattern of work across various stages of production and the opportunities and challenges this creates. It provides an overview of initiatives promoting women’s economic empowerment in GVCs.

This paper is part of the Global Value Chain Policy Series.