Gender Inclusivity in International Trade

Introduction:

Gender equality has long been recognized as a fundamental human right, yet women continue to face numerous barriers and inequalities in various sectors, including international trade. However, on International Women's Day, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in India took a significant step towards addressing these disparities by issuing two crucial circulars aimed at fostering a gender-inclusive trade environment.

Representation in Trade Committees:

One of the key initiatives highlighted in CBIC's circular is the directive to ensure women's representation in the Permanent Trade Facilitation Committee (PTFC) and Customs Clearance Facilitation Committee (CCFC) meetings. By doing so, CBIC aims to provide women with a platform to voice their perspectives, contribute to decision-making processes, and shape trade policies. This move acknowledges the importance of diverse opinions and experiences in creating more inclusive and balanced trade environments.

Dedicated Help Desks:

There is need to establish dedicated help desks and processing mechanisms specifically catering to women traders and women logistics service providers. These desks aim to provide personalized assistance, address the unique challenges faced by women in the industry, and promote their participation in trade. By streamlining processes and providing specialized support, such help desks can significantly enhance women's engagement and enable them to access trade opportunities on an equal footing.

Upskilling and Training:

To empower women logistics service providers, freight forwarders, and custom brokers, CBIC is actively supporting their upskilling through relevant training programs. By offering comprehensive training designed specifically for women, this may bridge the skill gap and empower women to effectively navigate the complexities of the trade industry and  enhances the professional capabilities of women but also strengthens their confidence and contributes to their long-term career progression.

Gender-Inclusive Infrastructure:

Creating gender-inclusive infrastructure is another crucial aspect addressed by CBIC's circulars. These directives emphasize the importance of designing logistics facilities with gender inclusivity in mind. Adequate lighting, panic buttons, and care infrastructure like creches are highlighted as essential elements for creating safe and secure working environments for women. Moreover, the emphasis on regular upgrades ensures that these facilities remain aligned with evolving gender perspectives, meeting the specific needs of women in the workforce.

Gender Sensitization Training:

There is also need to cultivate a supportive work culture, CBIC has recommended holding regular gender sensitization training sessions for all staff and stakeholders involved in international trade. These training sessions are designed to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and promote gender equality in the workplace. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, also need to eliminate biases and discrimination, fostering an environment where women can thrive and contribute to the fullest extent of their abilities.

Positive Impact on the Economy:

Gender inclusivity in international trade are not only crucial for empowering women but also hold significant potential for the economy. By tapping into the vast untapped potential of women as key contributors to international trade, these initiatives can result in increased productivity, innovation, and economic growth. Moreover, fostering gender inclusivity can lead to a more balanced and equitable trade landscape, ensuring sustainable development and social progress.

To promoting gender inclusivity in international trade through its progressive initiatives is a significant step towards achieving gender equality and empowering women in the logistics and trade sectors. There is need highlight the importance of representation, specialized support, upskilling, inclusive infrastructure, and gender sensitization training. By implementing these measures, CBIC brings attention to the need for systemic change, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of women and providing them equal opportunities to participate and excel in international trade. Ultimately, these initiatives have the potential to transform the trade landscape, creating a more inclusive, balanced, and prosperous future for all.