On the road to parity. The first international forum on “Women in customs” to reduce the gender gap. The initiative of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the European Commission aims to generate a more inclusive and equal development environment in administrations.
At the opening of the event, held on Friday (24.09.2021), the Secretary General of the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya, said: “Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace fosters innovation and improves both individual and organizational performance, as people with different backgrounds bring diverse perspectives and ideas.” She also stressed that “it is a matter of human rights, sustainable development and well-being.”
The meeting discussed «Core values for effective leaders»Panellists highlighted that gender equality and inclusion are highly dependent on organisational culture, which originates at the top management level of the organisation and trickles down to all staff. Empathetic leadership based on inclusive human resource management, awareness raising, promotion of best practices and mentoring programmes were highlighted as key ingredients to creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Meanwhile, at the round table “Transforming organizations through equality and inclusion”The importance of ensuring work-life balance and professional development within Customs was underlined. Speakers also highlighted the possibilities for greater participation and empowerment of women traders through the use of smart technologies and digital solutions.
The event brought together officials from the Americas and the Caribbean region such as Debbie Seguin of the Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP), the Director General of Customs of Panama Tayra Barsallo and Marilú Haydeé Llerena Aybar, the Deputy National Superintendent of Customs of PeruThey shared their experiences with customs leaders from the European Union, China and South Africa, among other regions of the world.
At the end of the event, the European Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Paolo Gentiloni, delivered a virtual message stating that “gender equality is not just a moral imperative or a matter of justice. Gender equality is good for growth. Our economic analyses have repeatedly shown that adding women to the workforce boosts economic growth and leads to gains in both output and productivity. And forging greater gender parity benefits not only women, it also benefits men, families and society at large.”
The “Women in Customs” conference was a new opportunity for the WCO to reaffirm the commitment it has been developing since 2013 to promote and support the advancement of gender equality and diversity in Customs.WCO Press Release)
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