A quiet revolution is reshaping the future of customs administrations worldwide. While trade facilitation metrics often focus on cargo clearance efficiency, gender equality and diversity within customs organizations have frequently been overlooked. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is addressing this imbalance through a carefully designed expert development program.
Challenges and Opportunities in Global Customs Gender Equality
The customs sector has long faced significant gender disparities, with women underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles. This imbalance not only impacts organizational innovation and efficiency but may also lead to policies that fail to consider women's perspectives. As global attention to gender equality grows, customs administrations increasingly recognize that promoting diversity isn't just about fulfilling international obligations—it's crucial for organizational competitiveness.
Against this backdrop, the WCO launched its Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) program, aiming to help member administrations develop and implement more inclusive policies through capacity building.
Strategic Implementation: Francophone Expert Development
Responding to member needs, the WCO conducted a virtual "Train-the-Trainer" workshop for Francophone customs officials from April 8-12, 2024. This initiative forms part of WCO's strategy to build a recognized pool of GED experts, enhancing its ability to provide policy advice and technical support. The Francophone focus acknowledges both the importance of French in international trade and the unique challenges faced by French-speaking customs administrations.
Core Curriculum: WCO's Gender Equality Tools in Practice
Adapted from a successful 2023 English-language workshop, the five-day program featured:
- Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT): A comprehensive framework helping customs administrations evaluate their gender equality status, identify gaps, and develop improvement strategies.
- Blended Learning Package: Combining online modules (accessible via CLiKC! platform) with offline materials to systematically build gender equality competencies.
- Case Studies: Participants shared practical experiences implementing GED initiatives, facilitating peer learning through interactive discussions.
Interactive Learning Methodology
The workshop employed dynamic teaching methods including group discussions, role-playing, and simulations. Key takeaways emphasized:
- The necessity of thorough organizational diagnostics before action planning
- The importance of clear GED frameworks aligned with strategic objectives
- The critical role of monitoring and evaluation systems
Expert Certification and Long-Term Vision
Top performers will undergo certification as recognized GED experts, forming a core group to support other members. The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen Francophone customs' GED implementation capacity
- Facilitate cross-border knowledge exchange
- Enhance WCO's leadership in promoting gender equality
Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Implementation
To deepen GED integration, the WCO suggests:
- Securing executive-level commitment
- Developing comprehensive GED policies spanning recruitment to workplace culture
- Establishing dedicated gender equality committees
- Implementing organization-wide training programs
- Systematically collecting gender-disaggregated data
- Partnering with external stakeholders
The WCO's efforts establish a benchmark for global customs administrations. By developing Francophone expertise, the organization not only advances regional capabilities but creates transferable models for other jurisdictions. This work represents both a contribution to global trade efficiency and a commitment to social progress.