Empowering women in taxation: the role of women-led networks 

Dr. Nthabiseng Debeila, Lead of the African Tax Administration Forum’s Women in Tax Network (AWITN), followed with a passionate presentation on systemic challenges. 

“It is a man’s world, no wonder things are going wrong,” she quoted from Botswana’s tax chief, before adding, “…gender equality in taxation is not a luxury. It's a necessity for development, representation, and justice.” 

She emphasised the need to address economic, political, and workplace exclusion, and celebrated the mentorship model as a tool for transformation. 

Dr. Altayesh Taddese Terefe, Advisor at the NTO Secretariat, shared the conceptual and practical underpinnings of the NTO’s Manual for Networking and Mentorship Programmes for Women Tax Professionals, developed in 2023. The pilot programmes with PITAA (12 mentor-mentee pairs) and CREDAF (66 participants) ran for six months and focused on themes such as goal-setting, confidence-building, and workplace leadership. 

This comprehensive manual provides step-by-step guidance for designing and implementing gender-responsive networks. It includes detailed commentary, a case study based on the ATAF Women in Tax Network, and a checklist for adapting to regional contexts. The manual has already begun to serve as a practical tool for tax organisations aiming to foster inclusivity and leadership among women in the tax field. 

The first of the pilot programmes, led by PITAA, was a six-month mentorship initiative that ran from December 2024 to May 2025. It brought together 12 mentors and 12 mentees from across the Pacific region. The programme was structured around monthly virtual sessions, covering topics such as goal setting, confidence building, workplace leadership, career development, and personal branding. 

Mentee Tepu Kea, Senior Tax Auditor Team Leader-VAT at the Cook Islands Ministry of Finance, shared how the programme provided a new lens through which to view her professional role. She spoke about gaining practical insights into audit strategies and the value of cross-border mentorship, saying:

“Coming from a small island, this programme expanded my perspective. It helped me see how we can improve audits, support teams, and build our systems.”

Vanessa Mamu, Director at the Internal Revenue Commission in Papua New Guinea – a mentor from PITAA, shared her transition from mentee to mentor. Initially hesitant, she found her strength in authenticity and mutual growth. 

“At first, I didn’t think I had what it takes to be a mentor. But I have learned that authenticity is a strength, not a weakness. We rise by lifting others. This Programme empowered me to see my own worth and to pass that on.” 

CREDAF’s pilot, on the other hand, focused on leadership development for 66 mid-to-senior level women professionals across Francophone Africa. Spanning six months, the programme offered six virtual training modules, group mentorship sessions, and technical discussions tailored to build leadership capacity and promote gender equity. Participants explored themes such as professional growth, network building, and mentorship preparation. 

Irène Ahuelie, Sous-directeur at the Direction Générale des Impôts in Côte d'Ivoire and a mentor in the programme, reflected on the empowerment she experienced through the initiative. “I became more confident, more vocal, and more effective in my leadership,” she said.

Ny Lala Ratrimoson, Chef de Division Gestion at the Direction Générale des Impôts in Madagascar and a mentee, shared how the programme transformed her ability to handle workplace challenges and communicate with impact. “It changed how I lead and how I mentor others around me,” she stated, highlighting the deep professional and personal impact of the programme.