The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union, ICU-Ghana, says Gender inequality is not just a women’s issue because any setback for women impacts all aspects of society.
The union said that with the world embracing and gradually integrating Artificial Intelligence, AI, at workplaces, there is no doubt that women may be disproportionately affected when it comes to job losses.
ICU-Ghana therefore challenges women to endeavour to raise their standard in order to be counted in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Head of GENDER AND YOUTH DESK of ICU-GHANA, Mrs. ESINAM AFUA POKU, to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, themed “Count Her In: Invest in Women.”
The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union, ICU-Ghana, says it appreciates the remarkable achievements of women globally and recognises the ongoing struggles to attain gender equality.
It added that women need not look down on efforts to invest in themselves but rather raise the bar and continue to scale up their contribution for recognition, respect, dignity, and equality.
The statement by the head of the Gender and Youth Desk of ICU-GHANA, Mrs. Esinam Afua Poku, asked women not to look down on efforts to invest in themselves but rather to raise the bar and continue to scale up their contribution for recognition, respect, dignity, and equality. The statement urged Government and policymakers to inject adequate investment in gender issues as a core of the country’s democracy.
It called for equal opportunities for women to have the same access to job opportunities, promotions, and training programs as their male counterparts.
Noting that this requires a commitment to fair hiring practices, including non-discrimination in recruitment and selection processes, ICU Ghana stressed the need to promote a safe work environment by implementing policies and procedures that promote a safe work culture free from harassment and discrimination.
It said women need to feel safe and supported in their workplace. Organisations also need to create the atmosphere that prohibits violence and harassment by providing training to all employees on how to recognise and prevent these behaviors. The ICU-Ghana statement said supporting work-life balance is important for all employees but can be challenging, especially for women with caregiving responsibilities.
It is in this regard that organisations can support this by offering parental leave, flexible work arrangements, child care services, and wellness programmes. It encouraged all to surge on in the struggle towards the socio-economic advancement of nations, especially developing countries.
