A Critical Assessment: Can Export Processing Zones Be Transformed into Catalytic Enclaves for Women's Economic Empowerment?
5 Pages Posted: 18 Aug 2016
Date Written: August 16, 2016
Abstract
This working paper assesses the novel theory posited in a recent IFC study that export processing and special economic zones can serve as vehicle for women's economic empowerment. After analyzing the theory through a labor and women's rights lens, the working paper guardedly concludes that EPZs and SEZs might serve as a vehicle for women's economic empowerment - but only if EPZ administrators and policy makers change attitudes about independent trade unions and work in partnership with workers, representative trade unions and women's rights organizations.
Keywords: Women's Economic Empowerment, Special Economic Zones, Export Processing Zones, EPZ, labor rights, women's rights, International Framework Agreements
JEL Classification: M14, K33, K31, F63, F66, F68, J71, J78
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation