In today's globalized context, customs administrations not only fulfill crucial trade regulation and revenue collection responsibilities but are increasingly prioritizing internal diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Côte d'Ivoire Customs' efforts in Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) present a noteworthy case study. The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its West Africa Security Project (WASP), actively supports these GED practices, aiming to create a work environment that respects differences and ensures equal opportunities.
WASP's GED Component
WASP is a collaborative initiative between WCO and the German Federal Foreign Office, funded by Germany's Central Customs Administration. While primarily focused on enhancing security capabilities among West African customs administrations, the project includes a significant GED component. This element seeks to help partner customs agencies develop and implement dedicated GED action plans, fostering organizational cultures that value differences and guarantee equal treatment and development opportunities for all employees.
The GED initiative extends beyond gender equality to emphasize broader diversity considerations, encompassing differences in race, religion, age, disability status, and other characteristics.
WCO Monitoring Mission
From November 11-13, 2024, WCO conducted a monitoring mission in Abidjan to assess Côte d'Ivoire Customs' GED implementation progress. The multinational delegation included experts from:
- Togo Revenue Authority
- Benin Customs Administration
- WCO's West and Central Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (BRRC)
The mission's primary objectives were:
- Evaluating the current GED action plan's implementation status, including completed activities, achieved outcomes, and existing challenges
- Updating the GED action plan to reflect current needs and circumstances
- Promoting GED awareness among customs leadership and management personnel
Collaboration with Stakeholders
During intensive working sessions, WCO representatives engaged with various Côte d'Ivoire Customs departments to:
- Review implemented GED activities such as training programs, policy adjustments, and awareness campaigns
- Identify operational challenges including cultural barriers and resource limitations
- Develop strategic priorities for future GED implementation
The mission also included consultations with the Côte d'Ivoire Customs Women's Association (AFDI) and UN Women to evaluate the impact of a July 2024 national workshop for female entrepreneurs and SMEs. This collaborative event aimed to:
- Enhance participants' understanding of customs procedures
- Facilitate women's participation in international trade
- Support SME development through specialized training on customs processes, trade policies, financing options, and marketing strategies
Strategic Recommendations
Following its assessment, the WCO team proposed several strategic recommendations:
- Strengthening executive-level commitment to GED initiatives
- Enhancing staff awareness through targeted training programs
- Reviewing and updating existing policies to ensure GED compliance
- Establishing robust monitoring mechanisms to track progress
The Business Case for GED
Implementing GED principles in customs administrations offers multiple benefits:
- Enhanced organizational performance through diverse perspectives
- Improved workplace relations and employee satisfaction
- Strengthened institutional reputation
- Contribution to national economic development
The WCO continues to support member administrations in developing comprehensive GED strategies through standard-setting, capacity building, technical assistance, and facilitating international knowledge exchange.