In traditional perceptions, customs administrations have long been viewed as male-dominated institutions. However, as globalization progresses and societal values evolve, there is growing recognition that more diverse and inclusive customs systems are not just matters of social equity, but crucial factors in enhancing efficiency, improving services, and facilitating trade.
Background: The West Africa Security Project (WASP)
The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with Germany's Central Customs Administration and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, launched the West Africa Security Project (WASP) to strengthen customs capabilities in addressing complex international trade environments and security challenges. Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) forms an integral component of WASP, emphasizing the integration of gender perspectives across all levels of customs operations.
Sub-Regional Workshop: A Milestone in Lomé
From July 3-7, 2023, WCO conducted a landmark sub-regional workshop in Lomé, Togo, focusing on customs administrations from Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo. The five-day program aimed to enhance understanding of gender mainstreaming concepts and explore practical implementation strategies.
Key Workshop Components
The comprehensive workshop featured multiple learning approaches:
- WCO Tools: Introduction of the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) for identifying gaps and developing improvement plans
- Hybrid Training: Combination of in-person sessions with online learning modules for flexible knowledge reinforcement
- Experience Sharing: Case studies from participating countries highlighting successful initiatives in female career development and inclusive work environments
- Action Planning: Development of country-specific blueprints for advancing GED objectives in coming years
Assessment Foundations
The workshop built upon organizational assessments conducted in February and March 2023, which identified areas for improvement in supporting female career advancement within West African customs administrations.
Women's Associations: Catalysts for Change
A notable development across participating countries has been the establishment of internal "Women's Associations" within customs administrations. These groups actively support female officers through training programs, mentorship initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
Regional Significance
As the first GED-focused training for customs administrations in West and Central Africa, the workshop represents a significant commitment by WCO to foster more inclusive and effective customs systems in the region.
Future Directions
WCO plans continued collaboration with member states through capacity building, policy support, and knowledge exchange to establish fairer and more efficient customs systems that contribute to trade facilitation and economic development.
Data-Driven Progress
The initiative incorporates measurable outcomes through tracking metrics such as female representation in leadership positions, promotion rates, training participation, and employee satisfaction surveys to quantify progress and identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Gender equality and inclusion represent more than ethical imperatives—they are essential components of modernized customs administrations. Diverse customs teams demonstrate improved understanding of international traders, deliver higher quality services, and enhance operational efficiency. WCO's West African initiative marks a substantial step toward these objectives.