Imagine a customs authority that not only efficiently regulates trade but also serves as a powerful force for social equity. This vision, far from being a distant dream, is actively being pursued by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Through its partnership with the Finnish Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Project II, the WCO is strengthening gender equality expertise among customs administrations in the region, fostering more inclusive and diverse workplaces.
WCO's Gender Equality Initiative: Reinventing Customs Operations
The WCO has long been committed to advancing gender equality and diversity in global customs operations. Through specialized tools, training programs, and collaborative initiatives, the organization helps national customs agencies break down gender barriers, unlock their workforce's full potential, and enhance operational efficiency. The Finnish ESA Project II has enabled the WCO to expand these efforts, delivering tangible improvements across African customs administrations.
Capacity Building: Second Regional Workshop Achievements
Building on the success of its May 2018 inaugural session, the WCO conducted its second regional workshop from May 6-10 at the Regional Training Center (RTC) in Port Louis, Mauritius. This follow-up event aimed to enhance the capabilities of four ESA-region RTCs and five additional national customs administrations in effectively implementing WCO's gender equality tools and ensuring sustainable progress.
Fifteen representatives from nine countries (Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Uganda, Seychelles, South Africa, and Zimbabwe) participated in the workshop, which provided crucial training in gender mainstreaming through project management methodologies. The curriculum emphasized strategic planning, change management principles, and specialized focus on monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
WCO Toolkit: Practical Resources for Gender Parity
A key component of the workshop involved comprehensive training on WCO's gender equality resources. Participants gained in-depth knowledge of several initiatives:
- Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT): This diagnostic instrument enables customs agencies to evaluate their current gender equality status, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop targeted improvement plans. By systematically analyzing organizational culture, policies, and practices, GEOAT provides a clear roadmap toward greater equity.
- Blended Learning Package: Combining digital and in-person instruction, this resource offers complete gender equality training for customs personnel. The e-learning modules provide flexible access, while in-person workshops facilitate interactive skill development.
- Virtual Working Group: This online platform connects customs professionals worldwide to share best practices, exchange experiences, and contribute to WCO's gender equality initiatives, creating a global network of expertise.
Knowledge Exchange: Strengthening Regional Collaboration
Workshop participants shared case studies of gender equality and diversity initiatives from their respective customs administrations. Through group discussions, they developed practical recommendations and guidelines for the ESA region across three key areas: training programs, human resource management, and stakeholder engagement strategies. These proposals will be presented to the Finnish ESA Project II Steering Committee in coming weeks.
Comprehensive Evaluation: Mauritius Customs Assessment
As part of the mission, WCO conducted a two-day GEOAT evaluation of various Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) departments to examine existing gender equality practices. The organization also held consultations with Mauritius' Ministry of Gender Equality, the UNDP country office, and a women entrepreneurs' association to better understand national gender equality dynamics.
The findings from these assessments, along with recommendations for enhancing MRA's gender equality efforts using WCO tools, will be delivered to MRA shortly. These collaborative evaluations enable the WCO to provide more targeted support by incorporating insights from government agencies, international organizations, and civil society.
Future Directions: Advancing the Equality Agenda
The WCO anticipates continued collaboration with customs administrations across ESA and other regions to further its gender equality and diversity objectives. By working collectively, customs agencies can establish more equitable, inclusive, and effective operations that contribute significantly to global trade and socioeconomic development.
Gender equality represents not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. Diverse customs teams demonstrate enhanced understanding of international trading partners across different cultures and backgrounds, thereby improving trade facilitation and economic growth.
The WCO's gender equality program transcends policy statements through concrete actions. By focusing on capacity development, practical tool implementation, and regional cooperation, the organization helps customs agencies integrate equality principles into daily operations, creating fairer and more sustainable trade environments that benefit both customs institutions and broader society.