The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), has unveiled the Spanish-language version of its Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT). This comprehensive framework aims to help customs administrations worldwide evaluate and improve gender equality policies within their operations.
A Strategic Framework for Inclusive Customs Administration
The newly translated tool provides Spanish-speaking customs agencies with a structured approach to assess gender equality across six core operational areas:
1. Employment and Compensation
The framework establishes guidelines for equitable recruitment, promotion, and pay structures, addressing systemic barriers that often disadvantage female employees in customs organizations.
2. Work-Life Balance and Career Development
GEOAT recommends implementing flexible work arrangements, childcare support, and professional development programs to create more supportive work environments.
3. Protection from Violence
The tool advocates for zero-tolerance policies against workplace violence, including clear reporting mechanisms and support services for affected employees.
4. Governance and Leadership
Customs administrations are encouraged to increase female representation in leadership roles and incorporate gender perspectives in decision-making processes.
5. Customs Management and Stakeholder Relations
The framework emphasizes integrating gender considerations into customs policies and trade facilitation measures to ensure inclusive service delivery.
6. Health, Safety, and Freedom
GEOAT provides standards for workplace safety, health benefits, and psychological support to protect employee wellbeing.
Cross-Cutting Gender Mainstreaming
Beyond these core areas, the tool emphasizes integrating gender perspectives into all organizational processes, from budget allocation to performance evaluation and internal communications. This holistic approach ensures gender equality becomes institutionalized rather than treated as a standalone initiative.
Expanding Access in Latin America
The Spanish translation represents a strategic effort to support customs modernization in Latin America and the Caribbean. By removing language barriers, GEOAT enables regional customs administrations to:
- Conduct comprehensive gender equality assessments
- Identify gaps in current policies and practices
- Develop targeted action plans for reform
- Implement gender mainstreaming through project management approaches
Research suggests that gender-balanced customs administrations demonstrate improved operational efficiency, enhanced talent retention, and better responsiveness to diverse stakeholder needs. The tool's release aligns with broader international efforts to incorporate gender equality into trade facilitation and border management.
The GEOAT initiative forms part of SECO's Global Trade Facilitation Programme, which has prioritized gender equality and diversity since its inception. The Spanish version expands the tool's accessibility to 20 additional WCO member administrations.