In the context of modern economic policy, it has become increasingly evident that gender equality is not only a social imperative, but also an essential component for sustainable development and truly inclusive growth. While competition policy has traditionally focused on promoting consumer welfare, dismantling barriers to market entry and ensuring efficient market structures, the differentiated impacts of market dynamics on gender have been less frequently addressed. Given the fact that women and other genders often face significant systemic barriers to full economic participation – ranging from restricted access to capital and networks, to potential discriminatory pricing practices or exclusionary monopolistic behaviour – there is a pressing need to thoroughly examine how competition policies can be effectively aligned with gender-sensitive objectives.

The interaction between competition policy and gender equity raises a number of critical questions that require attention and debate. Questions such as whether competition policy, in its current application, may be inadvertently disadvantaging women and other marginalised genders through phenomena such as market concentration, exclusionary business practices or potentially biased regulations. It is also essential to explore how competition law can be adapted or reinterpreted to reduce gender discrimination in access to market opportunities, particularly in those sectors historically dominated by men. It also raises the question of whether competition policy and advocacy can be actively leveraged to create market environments that are not only fair, but also actively promote economic opportunities for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs. Finally, it is crucial to learn from experiences and best practices within the region where competition policy has already been successfully applied to enhance gender inclusion.

Competition policy plays an indisputably crucial role in promoting market efficiency, improving consumer welfare and stimulating innovation. Its fundamental purpose is to ensure that markets operate fairly, preventing any entity from distorting competition to the detriment of other participants. In recent years, a growing corpus of research has begun to highlight the significant intersection of competition policy with various social issues, with gender emerging as an area of particular relevance. Gender inequality is not an isolated phenomenon; it manifests itself in multiple forms in various sectors of the economy, exerting a tangible influence on market dynamics, shaping consumer behaviour and, crucially, affecting the ability of women entrepreneurs and businesswomen to compete on a level playing field. This intersection represents a relatively underexplored area in traditional economic policy debates, but its importance is growing.

In response to this growing relevance and the need to address the critical questions raised by this intersection, this activity is structured to generate knowledge, foster dialogue and strengthen capacities. On the one hand, the forum is conceived as a high-level space to address the intersection between competition policy and gender equality, analysing in depth how both competition law and its practical application can be instruments that contribute or, on the contrary, hinder progress towards gender parity in economic opportunities. This event is designed to catalyse an open and constructive debate among key stakeholders, including competition authorities, legal experts, regulators and gender equality advocates, in order to collaboratively examine how competition can impact gender inclusion in different markets, industries and companies. A specialised workshop will also be held, aimed at strengthening the capacities of journalists and communication professionals from various public institutions, to provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to understand the fundamental principles of free competition, its relevance in the economy and society, and the most appropriate way to communicate these complex issues in an accurate and accessible manner. This approach seeks to ensure that public discussion on competition and its intersection with social issues, such as gender, is based on sound and clear information, in line with the relevant legal frameworks.

On the one hand, the forum aims to address the intersection between competition policy and gender equality, exploring how competition law and its application can contribute to or hinder progress towards gender equality in economic opportunities. The event seeks to foster an open debate among competition policy authorities, legal experts, regulators and gender equality advocates to examine how competition can support or challenge gender inclusiveness in markets, industries and businesses.

On the other hand, the specialised workshop aims to train journalists and communication professionals from different public institutions on the principles of free competition, its relevance and the appropriate way to communicate on these issues. This programme seeks to provide communication professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to understand and disseminate accurate and clear information on free competition, in line with Law 42-08 on the Defence of Competition of the Dominican Republic.

Competition authorities, regulators and other public organisations with an impact on gender and competition policymaking; as well as legal experts, business sector representatives, academics, international organisations and gender equality advocates who can contribute to the analysis, debate and capacity building on how competition policy can foster gender equality and inclusive economic recovery.

Date: 26 June 2025.

Time: 09:00 – 17:00 (Caracas time)

Language: Spanish.

Modality: Hybrid.

• Face-to-face: The sessions will be held at the Hotel Catalonia in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Attendance will be by invitation of the organisers.
• Virtual: Open to the public, free registration.

Online participation registration link: https://bit.ly/4kwglZU