As global trade enters the digital age, customs authorities—the critical hubs of international commerce—are facing increasing pressure to enhance diversity and inclusion within their organizations to meet new challenges and opportunities.
From September 7-9, 2021, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), in collaboration with the WCO Vice-Chair for the Americas and Caribbean region, hosted a regional virtual forum focused on "Gender Equality and Diversity." The event brought together over 80 representatives from 24 countries across the Americas and Caribbean to examine the importance of implementing gender equality and inclusive measures in customs administration.
Forum Background and Objectives
In today's increasingly complex and interconnected global trade environment, customs agencies have evolved beyond traditional border management to become key drivers of economic development and social security. However, to fully realize their potential, these organizations must ensure their internal structures and cultures reflect and serve diverse societies.
Gender equality and diversity are not just moral imperatives but crucial factors in enhancing customs efficiency, innovation capacity, and employee satisfaction. The forum provided a platform for customs administrators across the Americas and Caribbean to exchange knowledge and explore strategies for integrating these principles into all aspects of customs management.
Key Discussions and Content
The forum's success stemmed from its diverse participants and rich content. Attendees included SECO senior officials, customs department heads, WCO members actively working on gender equality initiatives, and representatives from international organizations.
Breakout sessions on the second day facilitated open discussions on critical issues including:
- Work-life balance: Creating more flexible and supportive work environments through measures like flexible hours and childcare support.
- Gender-based violence: Developing policies and procedures to prevent and address workplace violence, including training programs and reporting mechanisms.
- Harassment prevention: Establishing zero-tolerance policies with clear definitions of harassment, training programs, and strict penalties.
- Governance and leadership: Increasing female representation in leadership positions through targeted recruitment, promotion policies, and leadership development programs.
- Stakeholder engagement: Collaborating with businesses, NGOs, and other partners to advance gender equality through public awareness campaigns and support for women entrepreneurs.
Launch of Spanish Version of WCO's GEOAT Tool
The forum served as the official launch platform for the Spanish version of the WCO Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), translated with financial support from SECO. This comprehensive framework helps customs agencies evaluate their gender equality performance across organizational culture, policies, and practices, enabling targeted improvement plans.
Outcomes and Future Directions
Participants unanimously agreed to prioritize gender equality and diversity in regional customs agendas. Key recommendations included:
- Developing clear gender equality policies covering recruitment, promotion, training, compensation, and benefits
- Implementing mandatory gender equality training for all staff
- Establishing confidential reporting mechanisms for discrimination and harassment
- Increasing female representation in leadership through targeted programs
- Strengthening partnerships with external stakeholders
To ensure implementation, participants proposed establishing a regional gender equality working group to monitor progress, share best practices, and provide technical support to customs agencies across the region.
The forum's success establishes a benchmark for global customs organizations navigating the digital trade era while addressing fundamental issues of workplace equality and inclusion.