The WCO Virtual Working Group (VWG) on Gender Equality & Diversity (GED) met through an online meeting on the 18th of January to exchange experiences on GED related training for Customs. A new record was made in terms of participation, with 37 participants from 24 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Guatemala, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Liberia, Maldives, Malawi, Namibia, New Zeeland, Panama, South Africa, Peru, Thailand, Ukraine, UK, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe).

The Cross cutting policy Indicator 11 of the WCO Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) was recalled, which recommends Customs administrations to adopt a comprehensive training strategy covering awareness raising and training on GED topics, both internally (among staff at all levels) and externally (in collaboration with stakeholders).

Members were informed about the training opportunities provided by the WCO on this topic which includes a training package composed of a one week workshop and two e-learning modules which are available in the CLiKC! Platform. The first e-learning module raises general awareness on gender equality and how it relates to the work of Customs, and the second module goes into practically guiding Customs administrations on how to implement gender equality and inclusion by leveraging the GEOAT and using a project cycle management approach for implementing gender mainstreaming. A new draft template, developed to support Members in conducting a GEOAT assessment was also presented.

Examples of GED related trainings were also shared by the Customs of Australia - on a women leadership and mentoring programme, by Indonesia - on gender budgeting and guidance how to use the GEOAT, by Zambia - on trainings for cross border traders on customs procedures aiming at increasing compliance, and by Zimbabwe on gender based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Members expressed its appreciation for the value of exchanging experiences on GED to learn from each other’s work.

For more information, please, contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.