As a participant in the maiden Tax Summit organised by the Society for Women in Taxation (SWIT), themed: “Beyond Numbers: Unveiling the Gender Dynamics of Taxation for Inclusive Economic Growth,” held on the 19th of March 2024 in Abuja, I found the experience both enlightening and thought-provoking. The summit brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to delve into the intricate relationship between taxation, gender dynamics, and economic inclusivity. Here are my key takeaways from this insightful event.
Firstly, the summit underscored the crucial role of taxation in fostering inclusive economic growth. Taxation is not merely about revenue generation for the government; it is a powerful tool for redistributing wealth, addressing inequality, and promoting social justice. However, discussions highlighted that traditional tax policies often overlook the unique experiences and contributions of women in the economy, leading to a perpetuation of gender disparities.
One of the most striking revelations was the gender bias embedded in tax systems. Women’s economic activities, particularly in the informal sector and caregiving roles, are often undervalued or unrecognised by tax policies. This results in a disproportionate tax burden on women, hindering their economic empowerment and exacerbating gender inequalities. The summit emphasised the urgent need for tax reforms that take into account the diverse roles and contributions of women in the economy.
Another significant insight was the intersectionality of gender, taxation, and social norms. Discriminatory social norms and cultural beliefs not only limit women’s economic opportunities but also influence their tax compliance behavior. For instance, women entrepreneurs face unique challenges such as limited access to finance, lack of property rights, and cultural biases, which impact their tax compliance and willingness to formalise their businesses.
The summit discussions delved into the potential of gender-responsive taxation policies to mitigate these challenges. Gender-responsive taxation entails designing tax measures that consider the differential impacts on men and women, promote women’s economic participation, and address underlying gender inequalities. Examples include tax incentives for businesses that promote gender diversity, exemptions for essential goods and services predominantly consumed by women, and measures to enhance women’s access to formal financial services.
Moreover, the summit shed light on the importance of data disaggregation by gender in tax administration and policy formulation. Without accurate data on how taxation affects men and women differently, policymakers cannot develop targeted interventions or assess the gender impact of tax policies. Participants emphasised the need for comprehensive gender-disaggregated data collection, analysis, and reporting within tax systems to inform evidence-based decision-making and promote transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, the summit provided a platform to discuss the role of women in tax policy and administration. Women remain underrepresented in key decision-making positions within tax authorities, limiting their ability to influence tax policies from a gender perspective. Encouraging greater participation of women in tax leadership roles and fostering an inclusive work environment are essential steps toward creating more gender-responsive tax systems.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the summit was the showcasing of successful initiatives and best practices from around the world. Examples such as gender budgeting, which integrates a gender lens into budgetary processes, and inclusive tax dialogues involving diverse stakeholders, highlighted the transformative potential of adopting a gender-responsive approach to taxation.
Moreover, the summit emphasised the importance of collaboration and partnerships among government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, and the private sector in advancing gender-inclusive taxation. Multi-stakeholder engagement can facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and co-creation of solutions to complex tax and gender challenges.
Undoubtedly, my participation in the SWIT Tax Summit was a valuable learning experience that deepened my understanding of the gender dynamics of taxation and its implications for inclusive economic growth. It reinforced the need for holistic approaches that recognise and address the diverse needs, roles, and contributions of women in the economy. Moving forward, I am committed to advocating for gender-responsive tax policies, promoting women’s empowerment in tax administration, and contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.
As we reflect on the discussions and insights gained from the summit, it is imperative to translate these ideas into concrete actions and policy reforms. By harnessing the transformative power of taxation through a gender lens, we can create a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for all. The SWIT Tax Summit served as a catalyst for change, and I look forward to actively contributing to the ongoing dialogue and initiatives aimed at unleashing the full potential of women in taxation and economic development.
