Imagine a powerful network of over a hundred accomplished women in trade, gathering to shape the future of global commerce while advancing gender equality. This vision became reality on September 8, 2016, at the World Customs Organization (WCO) headquarters during the "Brussels Trade Women's Network" conference.
WCO: A Global Advocate for Gender Equality in Trade
The Brussels Trade Women's Network represents a growing initiative to unite women working in trade-related fields across Brussels, aiming to enhance female participation and influence in global trade discussions. Over the past year, the network has actively assessed women's interests in trade, established organizational structures, and supported greater female engagement in international commerce. The conference attracted over a hundred distinguished participants, including EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström.
WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya welcomed attendees, emphasizing the organization's commitment to strengthening partnerships with global trade entities while promoting gender equality across all aspects of customs and trade operations.
Breaking Barriers: The Symbiosis Between Customs and Trade
During the conference, Ana Hinojosa, Director of WCO's Compliance and Facilitation Directorate, outlined the organization's mission and vision. Drawing from personal experience, she highlighted the interdependent relationship between customs operations and trade activities—where efficient customs procedures enable smooth trade flows, while thriving commerce drives customs optimization.
Hinojosa revealed WCO's plan to develop a comprehensive work program addressing gender-related challenges faced by customs administrations and their stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify barriers women encounter in trade and customs sectors while developing targeted solutions for more inclusive working environments.
TTIP: Incorporating Gender Equality in Trade Agreements
EU Trade Commissioner Malmström shared insights from her work on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, particularly regarding the incorporation of European trade values into agreements. She emphasized TTIP's provisions on environmental protection, labor standards, and gender equality as setting new benchmarks for socially responsible trade agreements.
Malmström encouraged network members to actively engage in TTIP discussions, stressing the importance of female perspectives in shaping trade policies that better serve social development and gender equality objectives.
Future Prospects: Collaborative Growth and Shared Success
The conference marked Commissioner Malmström's first visit to WCO, with both parties identifying significant opportunities for future collaboration. Such partnerships promise to advance trade facilitation, sustainable development, and increased opportunities for women in global commerce.
WCO's support for the Brussels Trade Women's Network demonstrates its commitment to fostering gender equality through platform-building, knowledge-sharing, and dialogue facilitation—key elements for creating more equitable and inclusive trade ecosystems.
Women represent vital forces in global trade as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Yet many continue facing challenges including limited access to financing, skills gaps, and market entry barriers. Addressing these obstacles could unlock significant growth potential for both women's economic empowerment and global trade expansion.
Building Inclusive Trade for Sustainable Development
Inclusive trade—ensuring trade benefits reach all stakeholders including women, vulnerable groups, and developing nations—forms a crucial component of sustainable development. WCO contributes through international standard-setting, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs that help developing countries participate more effectively in global trade systems.
The organization simultaneously advances gender equality by encouraging female participation in trade policy development and implementation, ensuring trade's benefits extend equitably across genders.
The Path Forward: Equality and Shared Prosperity
Realizing a future of equitable global trade requires collective action to dismantle gender barriers and create inclusive environments. WCO continues leading this charge through policy advocacy, capacity development, gender-disaggregated data collection, and strategic partnerships.
Global challenges persist, including cultural norms limiting female participation, inadequate legal protections, financing disparities, and information gaps. Comprehensive solutions must combine awareness campaigns, legal reforms, financial support mechanisms, and enhanced information services.
Through sustained commitment to innovative collaboration models, knowledge-sharing, and continuous improvement, WCO and its partners work toward a trade environment where gender equality drives sustainable, inclusive growth for all.