Tamale: Some private sector employers and business owners in the Northern Region have been sensitised on the Gender Equity Act to understand what is required of them under the law and how they stand to benefit when they comply with it. The day's sensitisation forum sought to ensure that the participants, who were drawn from hotels, restaurants, and shopping centre spaces, implemented the Act to address issues of gender imbalances and inequality in the workspace.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event was organised in Tamale by ActionAid Ghana, an international NGO, in collaboration with the Northern Regional Department of Gender under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Labour Department under the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations. Madam Alia Mumuni, a Programmes Officer for ActionAid Ghana's Northern Programme, highlighted that many private sector players were unaware of the Act, passed last year, prompting the need for sensitisation.
The Gender Equity Act aims to address historic gender imbalances in all sectors of society and ensure that both men and women enjoy equal rights and opportunities. Madam Mumuni emphasized the importance of targeting the private sector due to its significant role in employment and its often weak regulation and awareness of gender equity issues.
She noted, "We have also recognised the historic systemic discrimination and stereotypes that have left women behind and that have even affected their opportunities in the workspace for a very long time." ActionAid Ghana seeks to enhance women's representation in both public and private sectors and promote supportive environments for women to assume leadership roles.
Madam Bushira Alhassan, Northern Regional Director of the Department of Gender, urged participants to comply with the Act's provisions and implement measures to tackle workplace gender inequality. She stressed the importance of policies that support women's leadership and decision-making roles.
Many participants, previously unaware of the Gender Equity Act, expressed gratitude for the insights gained. Madam Felicia Ali, Proprietor of Dreamers Academy, praised the exercise for transforming perceptions about gender. Mr Isaac Mabefam from Radach Lodge and Conference Centre acknowledged the engagement as an eye-opener, challenging the notion that men are more capable in the workplace.