Customs authorities serve as the first line of defense in national trade and security, where gender equality and diversity in both internal operations and external services directly impact trade facilitation, social equity, and national reputation. The World Customs Organization (WCO) has introduced a comprehensive solution to systematically evaluate and enhance gender equality performance across customs and tax administrations worldwide.
The Evolution of GEOAT: From Inception to Advancement
The newly updated Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) represents the culmination of nearly a decade of refinement. Originally launched in 2014, the framework was designed to help customs and tax administrations identify gender equality gaps and implement corrective measures.
The 2019 revision marked a significant milestone, aligning the tool with international standards through expanded definitions of gender and diversity concepts. This version introduced a dedicated section on gender mainstreaming in project management and incorporated intersectionality metrics.
The 2023 edition, developed under the West Africa Security Project (WASP) with support from German Customs and the Federal Foreign Office, introduces substantial enhancements. These include new indicators across multiple operational areas and structural improvements for better usability.
Key 2023 Updates: Safety, Action Plans, and User Experience
The latest GEOAT version features three major improvements:
- Enhanced Safety Protocols: A new standalone chapter addresses workplace safety and security, with specific metrics to evaluate protections for female officers and travelers against gender-based discrimination or harassment.
- Action-Oriented Framework: A dedicated template now guides agencies in converting assessment findings into concrete Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) action plans with measurable objectives and timelines.
- Streamlined Interface: Redesigned navigation and improved instructional materials enable more efficient tool application, supported by practical examples and clearer guidance.
Comprehensive Evaluation Framework
GEOAT's assessment matrix spans nine critical operational dimensions:
- Human resource management practices
- Border control procedures
- Stakeholder engagement protocols
- Internal and external communications
- Organizational integrity systems
- Intersectional policy development
- Recruitment and retention strategies
- Employee health benefits
- Physical security measures
WCO's Commitment to Gender Parity
The WCO maintains multiple initiatives to support gender equality implementation:
- Regular capacity-building workshops on GEOAT application
- A specialized gender equality expert network
- Collaborative reform projects with member administrations
Future Development Pathways
Potential future enhancements to GEOAT may include expanded metrics for LGBTQ+ inclusion and gender-based violence prevention, along with supplementary implementation resources such as online training modules and case study repositories.
The tool's development process incorporated extensive stakeholder feedback, including insights from WCO-led training programs, gender equality specialists, and virtual working group consultations conducted in May 2023.