Trade liberalisation (the removal of barriers to cross-border trade) has historically been negotiated at the World Trade Organization (WTO), trade agreements negotiated there translate into impacts within countries and therefore have significant implications for household wellbeing and gender equality1. There is now considerable empirical evidence that international trade agreements have a differential impact on women and men at household, firm and national levels (Randriamaro, 2006, Carr and Williams, 2010, World Bank, 2012, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 2012), creating disparities in how the opportunities and challenges of globalisation are experienced. Yet, there have been only limited attempts over the decades during which global trade negotiations have been taking place to mainstream2, or integrate, gender concerns into trade policy and negotiations. Our research confirms that the first hurdle, that of holding the position of ambassador or head of mission (HoM)3, shapes progression on to the decision-making and accountable committees and councils of the WTO.