In recent years, India has strengthened the bilateral trade trajectory. The ascendance of neo-liberalism in her policy making which also more and more constitutes the economic and developmental philosophy of her population raises concerns for academicians, experts and advocates in gender focused organizations. HBF realizes that the processes of globalization and trade liberalization are not gender neutral. Hence there is an urgent need to factor in an objective assessment of the gendered impact of economic and trade policies of the government of India.
 
One of the foundation’s objectives is to mainstream gender into EU-India trade relations. The realization or the absence of a critical mass of debate and dialogue, research analysis and advocacy among concerned stakeholders on the aspects of gender justice of the EU-India FTA has been the starting point for this programme on ‘gender and trade’. HBF’s efforts are to address the lack of gender sensitivity in trade policy making, implementation and evaluation. The foundation supports and establishes links with the civil society, policy makers, academic institutions and the media.

Key Programmatic areas include:

• To gain a better understanding on the ways in which liberalized trade has influenced gender inequalities and relations.
• To build capacities and strengthen civil society voices on trade and gender issues
• Advocate for gender mainstreaming in trade negotiations and macro-economic policies
• Networking with national, regional and international actors for making research and advocacy more inclusive and effective