In order to achieve maximum productivity, the University of Ghana has introduced a gender policy that aims to integrate the topic of gender equity in all university departments.
The policy will address the gender principles of the institution, including, among other things, difficulties with staff hiring and promotion, student enrollment and retention, grievance procedures and processes for redress, and monitoring and assessment systems.
The goal of the policy is to address the imbalance in the representation of women in the student body and in teaching, administrative, technical, and senior management positions by ensuring that all current and potential members of the university community, regardless of gender, have an equal opportunity to succeed.
As a result, it would offer a framework for creating a gender-equitable environment where men and women participate equally in all significant decision-making arenas.
Also, it would foster an atmosphere that upholds gender equality, encourages potential, and supports the diversity of abilities, viewpoints, and expertise among men and women.
The university's chancellor, Mary Chinery-Hesse, emphasized the need for the university to have a formal gender policy during the recent opening event in Accra. This would guarantee that everyone was treated equally both inside the university and in the larger Ghanaian social environment.
She bemoaned, however, that despite the advancements made in gender parity, the institution still faced serious problems with gender imbalance, mentioning female involvement in STEM-related programs and the study of information technology (IT) as examples.
According to her, just 20% of female students are now enrolled in IT courses. The percentage of women in top academic positions and their representation in decision-making at all levels in universities are further issues that need to be addressed.
In light of this, Ms. Chinery-Hesse reaffirmed the university's commitment to combating all types of gender-based discrimination and to fostering an atmosphere in which everyone, regardless of gender, had equal opportunities for their growth, development, and self-realization.
The university's vice chancellor, professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, noted that the university had always worked to create an environment free from prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination, even before the launch of the policy, as an institution committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which focused on gender equality.
You might find it interesting to know that, back in 2005, the University of Ghana was the first institution of higher learning in Ghana to establish a gender center (now known as the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy).
Being the first public university in Ghana to create a gender policy, UG is also the first institution in Ghana to implement a sexual harassment policy, according to the speaker.
As a result, Prof. Amfo expressed optimism that other tertiary institutions would adopt the university's proposal to safeguard men and women in the achievement of their goals, and he urged all parties to cooperate for its success.
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