Introduction: A New Mission for Customs
In today's rapidly evolving global trade landscape, customs agencies have expanded their role beyond border control and revenue collection. They are increasingly becoming powerful drivers of economic development and social equity. Across East and Southern Africa (ESA), customs organizations are playing a pivotal role in advancing gender equality—a crucial element in building inclusive societies and unlocking women's potential.
The World Customs Organization (WCO), as the global leader in customs matters, has recognized this transformative trend. Through its strategic "Finland-ESA Project Phase II," the WCO is implementing comprehensive initiatives to significantly enhance gender equality capabilities among ESA customs administrations.
Historical Foundation: Laying the Groundwork
The groundwork for gender equality in ESA customs was established in May 2018 when the WCO successfully conducted its first regional workshop. This gathering brought together customs leaders from across the region to identify challenges and opportunities in gender equality, creating an initial framework for collaboration.
Building on this foundation, the WCO organized a second regional workshop from May 6-10 at the Regional Training Center (RTC) in Port Louis, Mauritius. This event represented both a consolidation of previous achievements and a strategic advancement of gender equality efforts across ESA customs administrations.
Core Objectives: Empowering Regional Customs
The workshop's primary goal was to strengthen the capacity of ESA's four regional training centers and five additional national customs administrations in effectively utilizing WCO gender equality tools. Participants from nine countries—Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Uganda, Seychelles, South Africa, and Zimbabwe—enhanced their skills in:
- Applying project management methodologies to gender mainstreaming
- Implementing strategic planning and change management principles
- Developing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks
WCO Tools and Initiatives
Participants gained in-depth knowledge of WCO's gender equality resources:
Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT): This customized evaluation instrument helps customs administrations assess their current gender equality status, identify improvement areas, and develop action plans. The updated version incorporates the latest research and practical experience.
Blended Learning Package on Gender Equality: This comprehensive training resource combines e-learning modules with traditional instruction to raise awareness and provide practical tools for promoting gender equality in customs operations.
Virtual Working Group on Gender Equality and Diversity: This digital platform enables customs officials worldwide to share experiences, exchange best practices, and collaborate on gender equality initiatives without geographical constraints.
Knowledge Sharing and Regional Cooperation
The workshop facilitated extensive exchange of practical case studies on gender equality and diversity from participating customs administrations. Through group discussions, participants developed actionable guidelines and recommendations focusing on three key areas:
- Training methodologies
- Human resource management
- Stakeholder engagement strategies
These recommendations will be presented to the Finland ESA Project Phase II Steering Committee for implementation guidance.
Mauritius Customs Assessment
As part of the mission, WCO conducted a two-day GEOAT assessment of Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) departments to evaluate current gender equality practices. WCO representatives also met with Mauritius' Ministry of Gender Equality, UNDP country office, and a women entrepreneurs' association to gain comprehensive insights into national gender equality efforts.
The assessment results and improvement recommendations will be delivered to MRA in the coming weeks, establishing Mauritius as a potential regional model for gender equality advancement in customs administrations.
Case Study: South Africa's Progressive Approach
South African Customs serves as an exemplary model within the ESA region, having implemented:
- Comprehensive gender equality policies covering recruitment, promotion, training, and workplace environment
- A dedicated Gender Equality Office to oversee policy implementation and provide employee support
These measures have significantly increased female representation and fostered a more inclusive work environment.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite progress, ESA customs administrations face ongoing challenges:
- Underrepresentation of women in senior positions (only 15% globally)
- Persistent gender discrimination and harassment incidents
- Resource and expertise limitations in implementing gender equality policies
However, growing international support and national government commitment present significant opportunities for advancement in the coming years.
Future Outlook: WCO's Continued Support
The WCO remains committed to supporting ESA and global customs administrations through:
- Technical assistance in policy development and implementation
- Regional and national training programs
- Continuous improvement of gender equality tools
- Facilitation of international knowledge exchange
Policy Recommendations
Key recommendations for advancing gender equality in customs administrations include:
- Developing comprehensive gender equality policies
- Establishing dedicated gender equality offices
- Implementing mandatory gender equality training
- Fostering inclusive workplace environments
- Systematically collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated data
Conclusion
Gender equality represents both a fundamental human right and a critical factor in enhancing customs efficiency and sustainable development. Through collaborative efforts, the global customs community can build more equitable, inclusive, and effective administrations that contribute significantly to international trade and economic progress.