In a landmark move for global trade governance, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has officially launched its Gender Equality and Diversity Network, marking a significant step toward inclusive economic development.
A Strategic Imperative for Global Trade
The initiative, unveiled during International Women's Day 2022 celebrations, represents more than symbolic progress. "Gender equality isn't merely a moral issue—it's an economic imperative," stated Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, addressing over 200 participants at the virtual launch event.
The analogy of operating a high-performance engine at half capacity resonated throughout the proceedings. "When we exclude half our population from fully participating in global trade, we're not just limiting opportunities for women—we're handicapping global economic growth," Dr. Mikuriya emphasized.
Building on a Decade of Progress
The network builds upon foundations laid in 2013 when WCO first convened its "Women in Customs, Trade and Leadership" conference. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Center (ITC), highlighted the initiative's practical dimensions: "Our collaboration will focus on removing systemic barriers women face in cross-border trade and creating gender-responsive business environments."
Practical Implementation Across Borders
Case studies from Zambia, Ireland, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Rwanda demonstrated tangible progress:
- Gender-sensitive human resource policies in customs administrations
- Leadership development programs targeting women professionals
- Stakeholder engagement strategies promoting inclusive trade practices
Institutional Commitment Through Policy
The WCO's 2020 Gender Equality and Diversity Declaration established clear operational frameworks:
- Mandating gender analysis in all policy development
- Establishing monitoring mechanisms for diversity initiatives
- Creating knowledge-sharing platforms for best practices
Operational Tools for Member States
To support implementation, WCO released practical resources:
- The Customs Gender Equality and Diversity Compendium featuring case studies
- A virtual working group for peer learning
- Specialized training modules on WCO's CLiKC! e-learning platform
Addressing Pandemic-Exacerbated Challenges
The initiative comes as COVID-19 has widened gender gaps in trade participation. World Bank research presented at the event revealed:
- Increased barriers for women traders in border processes
- Disproportionate impacts of digital transition on women-led businesses
- Rising incidents of gender-based violence affecting trade participation
A Call to Collective Action
The network positions itself as more than a discussion forum—it's a platform for measurable change. "This isn't about women's issues," emphasized one panelist. "It's about transforming how global trade functions to benefit all participants equally."
As customs administrations worldwide join this initiative, the focus remains on converting policy commitments into operational realities that reshape the future of international trade.