‘Happy Int Women’s Day’ Executive Secretary’s message to women

The time is here for us to recognise the contribution made by women and girls globally who are leading the change in many spheres of life to build a more sustainable future.

Women in positions of leadership and decision-making at all levels are vital to improving gender equity and equality, as well as economic, social, and political progress for everyone. It is important that women are represented in bodies and organisations to ensure more inclusivity in legislation and policies. The 2020 African Tax Outlook (ATO) showed there are still nearly twice as many men as women in tax administrations amongst the ATO members, however, gender balance improved slightly from 2018 to 2019, as the average male-to-female ratio declined from 2.01 to 1.95.

In 1945 the Charter of the United Nations was signed it was the first international agreement to state the principle of equality between men and women. As recent as 2015, Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals has Goal 5 to “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”

So, what can we do about it? We can hire and promote based on capability; not have stereotypes; enact legislation to achieve gender parity. Raise awareness – once we take gender inequality into consideration, only then can we start treating people equally, regardless of their gender. 

In 2021 ATAF launched the
ATAF Women in Tax Network (AWITN) which brings together Africa’s women working in tax – developing and proposing solutions to Africa’s challenges, to develop, advise on, refine, and implement legislation, policies, and regulations and to ultimately create gender-equal environments. This month the AWITN will launch its mentorship programme, towards cultivating mentoring relationships that provide women with guidance, support, and community connections.

Let us together create a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Happy International Women’s Day!