OCO Conference highlights achievements of Women’s Professional Development Program
GUAM, U.S.A. – Members of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) today signed the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Declaration during the organisation’s 27th Annual Conference in Guam, committing to promoting gender equality, inclusive workplaces, and women’s leadership development across regional customs agencies.
“This declaration represents our collective commitment to building customs administrations that reflect the diversity of our communities,” said Mr. Ike Q. Peredo, Chair of the OCO Steering Committee and Director of Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency (CQA). “Diversity in our workforce is not merely a goal to aspire to – it is an operational necessity.”
The morning session highlighted the Pacific Women’s Professional Development Program (PWPDP), a collaboration among the OCO, Australian Border Force, and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University.
“By embracing gender equality and social inclusion, we’re building customs administrations that are more resilient and better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern border management,” said Ms. Nancy T. Oraka, Head of Secretariat for the OCO.
A panel discussion moderated by Australia, with panelists from Samoa, Nauru, and the OCO Secretariat, was followed by breakout sessions to develop practical strategies for implementing GESI principles.
Current statistics indicate that women represent approximately 40% of the customs workforce across OCO member countries, but only 30% of senior leadership positions. The GESI Declaration aims to address this imbalance through targeted interventions, mentorship programs, and policy reforms.
The OCO Annual Conference continues through May 23, with upcoming sessions on organisational governance, technology innovation, and environmental protection.
“As a proud graduate of the Pacific Women’s Professional Development Program, I am especially energized by this year’s OCO Conference theme, “Driving Efficiency, Security and Sustainability: Strengthening Customs in the Pacific,” said Col. Barbara Tayama, Assistant Chief of CQA’s Inspection and Control Division. “It speaks directly to the transformative leadership our region needs—one that is inclusive, innovative, and resilient. The emphasis on gender equality alongside digitalization and environmental protection highlights that building stronger customs administrations means empowering all voices, especially women, to lead the way in shaping a secure and sustainable Pacific.”
About OCO: The Oceania Customs Organisation is the regional body for Customs administrations in the Pacific region. OCO works to enhance the capacity and capability of its members in border security, trade facilitation, and revenue collection.
