Stockholm - Women in developing countries risk severe setbacks, and efforts to promote gender equality are at risk as the global financial crisis spreads, a Swedish government agency said Friday.

Employment opportunities in export-driven industries and agriculture were falling as "demand and purchasing power drops in the West and later in developing countries," said Anders Nordstrom, head of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

In an op-ed article in the Stockholm daily Dagens Nyheter, Nordstrom cited findings by Stockholm University researchers in a report timed to coincide with International Women's Day on Sunday.

The export-driven industries included sectors like textiles, shoes and electronic goods. "These goods are to a large extent made in developing countries where women account for a large portion of the workforce," Nordstrom said, saying layoffs would push up unemployment among women.

Similarly, lower demand for cut flowers, vegetables or fruit could impact opportunities for women in the export-driven agricultural sector.

Other areas where women in developing countries face setbacks included more difficulties in getting loans, more unpaid work as states cut back on health services, fewer girls enrolled in school, and an increase in prostitution and trafficking.

The researchers also warned that domestic violence and abuse could increase as male household members at times resort to beatings when frustrated over unemployment or failing to make ends meet.

Nordstrom said SIDA would continue to push for gender equality in its aid programmes and wanted to "invite the civic society and privte sector in partner countries and Sweden to enhance women's economic empowerment." (dpa)