Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of contributors
- List of abbreviations
- PART I Introduction and systemic issues
- 1 The many faces of modern biotechnology
- 2 Genetic engineering, trade and human rights
- 3 Gender dimensions of biotechnology policy and trade
- PART II Intellectual property and gene technology: issues at stake and possible options
- PART III Food security, trade and agricultural production with genetically modified organisms
- PART IV Food safety, international trade and biotechnology
- PART V Medical research, cloning and international trade
- Index
3 - Gender dimensions of biotechnology policy and trade
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 October 2009
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of contributors
- List of abbreviations
- PART I Introduction and systemic issues
- 1 The many faces of modern biotechnology
- 2 Genetic engineering, trade and human rights
- 3 Gender dimensions of biotechnology policy and trade
- PART II Intellectual property and gene technology: issues at stake and possible options
- PART III Food security, trade and agricultural production with genetically modified organisms
- PART IV Food safety, international trade and biotechnology
- PART V Medical research, cloning and international trade
- Index
Summary
Introduction
Gender issues in biotechnology policy and trade are rapidly emerging as some of the most interesting and challenging within these fields. Gender issues have been identified in three important areas affected by biotechnology, namely, agriculture, traditional knowledge, and health. The policy discussion on these matters is still in its early stages and more research will be needed in order to formulate approaches that adequately incorporate a gender perspective. Gendered aspects of biotechnology also raise concerns in international trade law, which have not yet been addressed in the current legal framework at any level, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) regime. This paper will analyse some of these trends and then propose ways in which gender might be mainstreamed into biotechnology policy and trade in order to better suit the needs of women.
There are at least two reasons why gender issues should be viewed as a concern within the context of biotechnology policy and trade. One reason is linked to the idea of gender equality, and the other is linked to sustainable development. First, not all members of society have benefited equally from the advances in science and technology and women as a group suffer disproportionately more than men in this respect. Women continue to be overlooked in the development and transfer of science and technology. This contradicts the consensus within the international community that women are entitled to equality with men in all aspects of human life.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Genetic Engineering and the World Trade SystemWorld Trade Forum, pp. 56 - 74Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2008