Advancing Women for a Gender-Inclusive Customs

Abstract

The necessity and advantages of a gender-inclusive workplace are well recognised around the world. Much work has been done to support and advance women for a gender-inclusive Customs; however, facts and figures still remain low. The challenges faced by female customs officers are not very different from the challenges faced by women in any workplace. Here, the paper highlights the advantages of a gender-inclusive organisation and examines the underlying barriers by focusing on the Southeast Asia region. The paper then develops recommendations for customs administrations facing common challenges in this area. These recommendations, if implemented, should help customs administrations to advance their female officers and reap all the benefits gender equality can offer. This will allow administrations to achieve more gender balance and inclusivity, which will lead to more sustainable and modern customs administrations.