Trade economists are often optimistic about free trade driving gender equality. But does this optimism extend to female state leaders, making them lean towards endorsing freer trade policies? Not necessarily, argue Catherine Bros, Julie Lochard and Neha B Upadhyay, drawing from their analysis spanning 25 years of data since 1995. They show that women-headed countries have used contingent protection measures more intensively, particularly against male-led nations. However, this doesn’t indicate an inclination of protectionist stance among female leaders, the authors justify. Instead, this suggests that female heads feel compelled to be more assertive to overcome gender stereotypes in international relations. According to the authors, inclusion of females in decision-making processes could ultimately dismantle gender biases such that socio-economic rationale and not gender dictates policy outcomes.