Imagine a customs office where men and women have equal promotion opportunities, policies are designed with the diverse needs of both genders in mind, and the work environment fosters respect and inclusivity. This is not just an ideal vision but a reality being actively pursued by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and Expertise France. Recently, the two organizations jointly hosted a groundbreaking gender equality workshop in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, bringing fresh perspectives and tools to customs and tax officials from nine French-speaking countries in West and Central Africa.
A Regional Blueprint for Gender Equality
From April 16 to 18, 2024, the workshop took place in Abidjan under the "PARFID" project (Regional Support Project for Tax and Customs Officer Training), funded by the French Ministry of Finance. Participants from Benin, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Chad, and Togo gathered to explore strategies for advancing gender equality in customs and taxation. The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and introduce key concepts related to stereotypes and discrimination.
Challenging Stereotypes, Fostering Inclusion
Beyond theoretical discussions, the workshop delved into practical legal measures and tools to implement gender-sensitive policies, including gender-responsive budgeting. This approach ensures that budget allocations consider the distinct needs of different gender groups, promoting fairness and equity. By analyzing stereotypes and discriminatory practices, participants reflected on their own work environments and identified actionable steps for improvement.
WCO’s Empowerment Tool: GEOAT Takes Center Stage
A highlight of the workshop was WCO’s introduction of the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), a diagnostic framework designed to evaluate customs organizations’ progress in gender equality and pinpoint areas for growth. During a dedicated session, WCO demonstrated GEOAT’s application through hands-on exercises, enabling participants to test the tool and adapt it to their national contexts.
GEOAT assesses five critical dimensions:
- Leadership & Commitment: Evaluates senior leadership’s dedication to gender equality, including the existence of clear policies and targets.
- Policies & Procedures: Reviews recruitment, promotion, training, and compensation practices to eliminate gender bias.
- Work Environment & Culture: Examines workplace safety, respect, and inclusivity, with a focus on preventing harassment or discrimination.
- Capacity Building & Training: Measures the availability of gender equality training to enhance staff awareness.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Assesses mechanisms to track progress and implement corrective actions.
By analyzing these dimensions, GEOAT helps customs organizations identify strengths, address gaps, and develop targeted action plans—ultimately improving institutional performance and employee satisfaction.
Building Equitable Trade Policies
WCO also emphasized integrating gender equality into external policies, collaborating with stakeholders to create a fairer trade ecosystem. This includes designing trade policies that account for gender disparities, supporting women entrepreneurs in cross-border trade, and dismantling barriers faced by women in the sector.
Sharing Success Stories
A peer-learning session allowed participants to exchange national best practices, fostering cross-border collaboration. These discussions revealed common challenges and innovative solutions, such as mentorship programs for women in leadership and anti-discrimination training for staff.
The Road Ahead
WCO expressed optimism about the workshop’s outcomes and pledged to deepen collaboration with regional customs administrations. Continued efforts—including capacity-building programs and tailored resources—will be essential to sustain momentum. This initiative also sets a precedent for global gender equality advocacy, demonstrating how multilateral partnerships can drive systemic change.
Gender Equality: From Principle to Practice
Advancing gender equality in customs and taxation is not just a moral imperative but an economic one. Research shows that societies thrive when women enjoy equal economic opportunities. By transforming rhetoric into action—through tools like GEOAT and policy reforms—the sector can unlock untapped potential and build a more inclusive future.