Monrovia– The World Customs Organization (WCO) has commenced a weeklong specialized training on Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) for members of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Gender Equality and Diversity Committee, with early indications showing strong impact on participants’ professional capacity and institutional outlook.
The training, taking place in Monrovia from March 23–27, 2026, is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of gender inclusion and equip them with practical tools to promote equality and diversity within the Authority. The initiative under the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme is supported by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Service of the UK.
Participants have already begun demonstrating enhanced awareness of gender-responsive leadership, workplace inclusivity, and policy implementation. Through interactive sessions and case-based learning, attendees are gaining practical skills to address workplace bias, strengthen team collaboration, and integrate gender perspectives into revenue administration processes.
The training covers key thematic areas including work-life balance, gender security, gender and trade, and the strengthening of the LRA’s Gender Equality and Diversity Action Plan. The sessions are not only increasing participants’ technical knowledge but also reshaping attitudes toward inclusive leadership and decision-making.
Facilitated by Lemami Elsie Nima, Director of the WCO Regional Office for Capacity Building (West and Central Africa), and Goitseone Lenyatso, Senior Customs Officer of the Botswana Unified Revenue Service and WCO-recognized expert, the sessions emphasize practical application and institutional transformation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Mamba Point Hotel, LRA Domestic Tax Commissioner Margaret P. Krote underscored the strategic importance of gender inclusion in revenue administration. She commended the WCO for the initiative and highlighted the direct benefits such training brings to staff performance and institutional effectiveness.
“Gender inclusion is essential, as women are high performers who contribute significantly to leadership and decision-making. This training is already equipping our staff with the mindset and tools needed to foster a more inclusive and productive work environment. She noted.
Participants expressed appreciation for the training, noting that it has enhanced their confidence to champion gender equality initiatives within their respective departments. Many indicated that the knowledge gained will directly inform policy implementation, improve workplace relations, and contribute to a more balanced and high-performing workforce.
For her part, Lemami Elsie Nima emphasized that gender equality and diversity remain central to the WCO’s capacity-building agenda. She noted that institutions that embrace inclusivity are better positioned to implement reforms, improve service delivery, and achieve sustainable results.
She further described gender inclusion as a continuous and evolving process that requires commitment from leadership, active participation from staff, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
The WCO continues to promote gender equality and diversity across its 186 member administrations, aligning with global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
The ongoing training represents a significant step in strengthening institutional capacity at the LRA, with participants now better equipped to drive inclusive policies, enhance organizational culture, and contribute to improved revenue administration outcomes in Liberia.