WOMEN IN TAX ADMINISTRATION: PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY IN KADUNA STATE.

INTRODUCTION. 

Gender equality is a fundamental human right that is yet to be fully achieved in many parts of the world. In Nigeria, efforts to promote gender equality has gained momentum in recent years and one notable area where progress can be seen is in tax administration.

In Kaduna state women are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and making significant contributions to the field of tax administration and other spheres of life. His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Malam Uba Sani in a bid to foster gender equality has a woman of dignity and honour Her Excellency Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa  Balarabe as his Deputy. With this fervent representation, Kaduna State is the only State in the entire North- west where the equation of UNDP-SDGs Initiative for gender equality is fully actualized at the echelon of decision making in the State Executive Council in Kaduna State.

EMPOWERING WOMEN IN TAX ADMINISTRATION.

Historically, tax administration has been dominated by men, with women often marginalized or limited to support roles. However, Kaduna State has taking significant steps towards promoting gender equality and empowering women in this field. Recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and skill sets, the state government has actively encouraged more women to pursue career prospects in tax administration in Kaduna State.

THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE STRATEGIES THE KADUNA STATE GOVERNMENT HAS PUT IN PLACE TO FOSTER WOMEN INCLUSION IN TAX ADMINISTRATION IN KADUNA STATE:-

1. Training and Education: Kaduna State has prioritized training and sensitization programs to equip women with necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in tax administration. Numerous seminars and workshops are organized by e.g. Chattered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), KADIRS TAX ACADAMY, Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and Joint Tax Board (JTB) to provide technical trainings and familiarize women with tax laws, policies and administration procedures. This investment in education not only empowers women but also ensures a more diverse and inclusive workforce. 

2. Employment and placement opportunities: The Kaduna State Government has implemented affirmative action policies to increase the representation of women in tax administration, for instance the Tax Area Manager Mrs. Godiya Sambo Kyola of Doka West Area Revenue Office of  Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service  has kept a record being the highest in terms of revenue generation among the 32 area revenue offices. Special recruitment drives, reserved quotas, and gender sensitive hiring practices have helped create an enabling environment for more women to join the profession. These opportunities have given women the chance to progress their career, challenging gender stereotypes, and provide financial stability for themselves and their families.

3. Leadership Roles: women in Kaduna State have proven their capabilities in tax administration and are increasingly taking up leadership positions. The government has consciously created avenues for career progression and leadership opportunities, ensuring equal representation at all levels. This does not only inspires other women to pursue similar roles but also fosters a work environment that values diversity and inclusivity. In Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) we have the following women heading strategic departments and units, Bar. Aysha Ahmed Muhammad, Board secretary/Legal Advicer, Haj. Asma’u Inuwa Mora Director Revenue operations, Rabi Abdullahi commissioner Stamp Duties and capital gains tax. Mrs Debora B. Lukas Head withholding tax. Mrs Alice John head Tax Payer Service. Haj Lami Umar Head Store and Haj. Hadiza Kasim Team Lead Tax Audit.

4.  Extant Laws in Kaduna State: These Laws empower and give women opportunity to excel in their career. Some of these existing laws in the State promotes gender equality and women participation in revenue administration in the State. It is stated clearly in section( 45) sb (1), section (11),( 12), (13) and (14) of Kaduna State Tax Codification and Consolidation Law 2020 as amended which provides inclusion of women in the Executive Management Committee, equally in the State Development levy regulation. The internal code of ethics of the Service states in section (2) sb (12) that Officers  SHALL NOT  discriminate or be discriminated on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sexual orientation, learning disability, genetic information, present or past history of mental disability, mental retardation, or physical disability, including but not limited to blindness, criminal record, HIV or AIDS status or other noninfectious/non communicable health conditions except they are medically certified to constitute a health hazard. 

5. The Gender and Equality Opportunity Bill: the State government passed a bill known as the gender and equality opportunity bill in 2019. The bill aims to eliminate discrimination against women, promote gender equality, and protect the rights of women and girls in Kaduna State.

6. Women Empowerment Program: The State government has implemented various programs aimed at empowering women economically. This initiatives include skills acquisition programs, vocational training, and entrepreneurship development schemes. This is to encourage female economic empowerment and reduce the gender gap in employment and income, an example of such is the Google initiative to train 5,000 women and girls in data science entrepreneur’s application in digital technologies.

IMPACT AND BENEFITS    

The inclusion of women in tax administration has brought about several positive outcomes for Kaduna State, among which are:

A. Increased Revenue Collection: studies have shown that gender-diverse teams are more effective in problem solving and decision in tax administration, there has been an improvement in revenue collection strategies, resulting in better compliance rates and increased funds for development and public welfare.

B. Fairer policies and practices: The presence of women in senior positions ensures that tax administration policies and practices are more gender-sensitive. This has allowed for a fair and more inclusive system that considers the unique challenges faced by women taxpayers and seeks to address gender-based barriers.

C. Role modeling and Empowerment:  Today Kaduna State Government has more Women occupying leadership roles in different spheres and the same feat is obvious in various units of Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service.

D. Fairness and equity: Gender equality ensures that tax policies and administration practices do not discriminate against women. It ensures that both men and women are treated fairly and have equal access to tax benefits, exemptions, and incentives. This promotes social justice and equity in the tax system.

E. Increased tax compliance: When there is gender equality in tax administration, women are more likely to comply with tax regulations. They feel that their contributions are valued and recognized, which creates a sense of ownership and responsibility towards tax compliance.

F. Improved revenue collection: Gender equality in tax administration can lead to higher revenue collection. When all individuals, irrespective of their gender, are effectively included in the tax system, tax evasion and non-compliance are minimized. This results in increased revenue generation for the state government.

G. Empowering women: Gender equality in tax administration provides opportunities for women to actively participate in decision-making processes. It promotes their financial literacy, enhances their understanding of taxation processes, and empowers them to contribute meaningfully to economic development. This leads to increased women's economic empowerment and independence.

H. Inclusive policy-making: When women are included in tax administration, their perspectives, experiences, and needs are taken into account in policy-making processes. This leads to more inclusive and responsive tax policies that address gender-specific issues and barriers. This, in turn, helps in creating an enabling business environment for women entrepreneurs.

I. Socio-economic development: Gender equality in tax administration can contribute to broader socio-economic development. When women are empowered and have equal access to resources, they can contribute more effectively to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. This leads to overall development and well-being of the society.

In conclusion, gender equality in tax administration in Kaduna State has numerous benefits, including fairness, increased tax compliance, improved revenue collection, empowerment of women, inclusive policy-making, and socio-economic development. Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service has a firm believe in promote gender equality in tax operation and administration.

Compiled and signed by:

ZAKARI Jamilu Muhammad.

Head: Corporate Communications.

14th November, 2023.