On August 21, 2021, Banyan Global participated in a policy discussion at a Virtual Plenary Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures (SCCP). The discussion focused on the benefits of gender inclusivity and women’s involvement in customs and what the SCCP can do to contribute to the implementation of the La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth 2019-2030. Banyan Global presented its “Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality in Trade Facilitation: The Role of Customs and Border Services” report as part of the panel that included representatives from customs agencies in New Zealand and Peru as well as the World Customs Organization.

As an emerging economic force, women face particular barriers in participating in the global economy and engaging with customs and border agencies. In 2020, Banyan Global conducted a desk review and remote interviews to determine the extent to which women’s economic empowerment and gender equality (WEEGE) is integrated into customs and border agency services, operations, and personnel management, across various functions; how WEEGE gaps in services affect women participating in trade; and what changes are needed in processes, procedures, infrastructure, and systems, to achieve more equitable access, treatment, and opportunities for women in trade. The report and related fact sheet present findings and recommendations on promoting WEEGE in customs and border agencies at the border and within customs.

The resources related to the “Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality in Trade Facilitation: The Role of Customs and Border Services” report were produced under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Women’s Economic Empowerment and Equality Technical Assistance task order through the Advancing the Agenda of Gender Equality (ADVANTAGE) indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract.