As global supply chains face unprecedented challenges and uncertainty becomes the norm, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is charting a new course—one that embraces gender equality and diversity as catalysts for a more inclusive and innovative global trade environment.
The recent launch of the WCO Gender Equality and Diversity Network during International Women's Day celebrations marks a strategic investment in the future of customs operations worldwide. This initiative aligns with the United Nations theme "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow" while addressing critical gaps in trade participation.
Strategic Foundations and Launch Context
The WCO has long recognized gender equality and diversity as core values. The organization's 2013 landmark conference "Women in Customs, Trade and Leadership" laid crucial groundwork, demonstrating how inclusive participation creates new opportunities for global trade development.
"Gender equality and inclusion aren't just women's issues—they're everyone's shared responsibility and commitment," said WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya during the virtual launch event attended by over 200 participants. "We firmly believe inclusion, diversity, and equal treatment are among WCO's fundamental values."
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), emphasized collaborative action: "Trade policymakers, border regulators and businesses must work together to create gender-responsive trade environments that remove barriers women face in cross-border commerce."
Knowledge Sharing and Practical Solutions
Two thematic workshops during the launch addressed critical implementation areas: "Enhancing Organizational Capacity Through Gender Equality and Inclusion" and "Advancing Gender Equality Through Effective Stakeholder Collaboration." Customs representatives from Zambia, Ireland, Philippines, Indonesia and Rwanda shared practical experiences implementing gender-sensitive policies in both internal HR practices and external stakeholder engagement.
World Bank researchers presented findings on specific challenges female traders encounter, highlighting persistent issues like financing gaps, information asymmetries, procedural complexities and discriminatory treatment that require targeted solutions.
Policy Framework and Action Commitments
The WCO's commitment is formalized in the December 2020 Customs Gender Equality and Diversity Declaration , which identifies these principles as prerequisites for sustainable development, growth and competitiveness. The declaration calls on customs administrations to:
- Implement gender-sensitive policies in HR management, leadership development and stakeholder relations
- Establish monitoring mechanisms to assess progress
- Share implementation experiences across the WCO community
Pandemic Challenges and Digital Opportunities
The COVID-19 crisis accelerated digital trade transformation while exposing vulnerabilities in traditional systems. However, WCO analysis warns that technological solutions must address accessibility gaps to prevent widening existing inequalities.
The pandemic exacerbated gender-specific trends, including widening economic disparities and increased gender-based violence. This reality underscores the urgent need for customs administrations to mainstream gender-responsive recovery mechanisms that mitigate these risks.
Implementation Tools and Resources
To support members, WCO provides several key resources:
- Gender Equality and Diversity Compendium: A collection of member case studies serving as practical implementation guide
- Virtual Working Group: Established in 2017 as a knowledge-sharing platform about the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT)
- Blended Learning Package: Two specialized e-learning modules available on WCO CLiKC! platform
The launch of the WCO Gender Equality and Diversity Network represents both a milestone and call to action—inviting customs administrations and trade stakeholders worldwide to collaborate in building a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable trade future through inclusive participation.