Applying a GEDSI approach across all activities, alongside specific technical interventions, ensures that targeted individuals and groups can participate on an equal basis.

% Female audience with improved understanding of FTAs through RT4D Workshops and Training
AISP

85.7%

AISP

RISP

92.3%

RISP

RT4D applies a twin-track approach for GEDSI.

Track One

  • GEDSI mainstreaming approach aims to incorporate and accommodate women, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups’ perspectives, voices, needs, issues, aspirations, and experiences into the overall decision-making processes and throughout the project cycle — from design, throughout project implementation and into evaluation and learning.
  • This means accounting for diverse needs and perspectives from marginalised and at-risk groups across the various phases of the project cycle, including project design, activity planning and event organisation. Track one projects have limited GEDSI dimensions from a technical perspective.

Track Two

  • This approach involves the design and delivery of specific activities aimed at empowering women and other vulnerable groups in the communities. This enables them to take part in development processes and other social and decision-making activities. Track two projects have significant GEDSI dimensions.

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Both Track One and Track Two Projects apply a GEDSI approach through some or all the following:

 

We integrate and embed GEDSI considerations across all phases of AANZFTA and RCEP projects, from project conceptualisation, through to design, implementation, delivery of activities and evaluation.

FTA sectors include trade in goods, trade in services, investment, intellectual property, government procurement, movement of people, e-commerce, competition and consumer protection, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and others as agreed by the Parties.

We encourage and support the integration of GEDSI perspectives into strategic documents that guide FTA parties identify the key priorities and interventions in each of these sectors.

Project stakeholders play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity by actively involving disadvantaged groups in project activities. We create spaces for external stakeholders to contribute and enhance processes and outcomes. In the context of AANZFTA and RCEP, inclusive implementation is enhanced when FTA Subsidiary Bodies engage with diverse trade stakeholders, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, and facilitate their participation in FTA-related activities. RT4D supports engagement between Subsidiary Bodies, the ASEAN Secretariat (as the AANZFTA Secretariat) and diverse groups impacted by relevant FTA Chapters to help ensure the best trade outcomes for all.

Raising awareness of GEDSI among all RT4D stakeholders is carried out at their own pace and in their preferred manner. This approach ensures that capacity enhancement activities are conducted according to each stakeholder’s timeline, aligning with and supporting their specific interests and priorities.

Additionally, this approach takes into account the varied methods of awareness-raising preferred by each stakeholder, considering their unique capacities and circumstances. As a result, the delivery of GEDSI awareness to stakeholders will vary and may include discussions, consultative meetings, technical assistance, and tool development, all tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each partner.

 

 

RT4D provides proportionate and flexible resourcing for GEDSI-related activities led by FTA Subsidiary Bodies. In this way, we facilitate connections between FTA Parties and external stakeholders, expanding relevant trade networks outside of the public sector, such as women entrepreneur associations and organisations for people with disabilities.

Our Projects

Learn more about the projects where we apply the GEDSI method
Here