Accra: Mrs. Esinam Poku, Head of the Gender and Youth Desk at the Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union (ICU) of Ghana, has emphasized the need for policies that ensure equality, dignity, and fairness in the workplace. She has called upon unions and civil society organizations to advocate for women's rights and welfare in the workplace to foster industry harmony.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Poku made these remarks during a forum held in Accra to commemorate International Women's Day under the theme 'Rights, Justice, and Action for All Women.' She highlighted that achieving gender equality requires not just words but also commitment, fairness, and concrete action. Despite their vital role in the economy and labor movement, women face barriers limiting their full participation and advancement.
Mrs. Poku pointed out the urgent need to address issues related to menstruation, maternity, and menopause, which are often neglected in workplace policies. She stressed that menstruation should not be a source of stigma or discomfort and workplaces must provide supportive environments with adequate facilities. Maternity protection, she noted, is crucial for women to balance work and motherhood without facing discrimination or job insecurity. Additionally, menopause requires understanding and support in the workplace to promote dignity and well-being.
She called for workplaces to be inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the realities faced by women, emphasizing that these issues are not just women's issues but also workplace justice and trade union issues. She urged a renewed commitment to advocating for policies that promote gender equality, marking International Women's Day as a time to celebrate women's achievements and push for meaningful change.
Mr. Morgan Ayawine, ICU-Ghana's General Secretary, added that the theme of the forum is pertinent in today's socio-economic and geopolitical context. He noted that societal norms have long accepted subservient roles for women and girls in various sectors, undervaluing their contributions and relegating them to secondary positions in global affairs across economic, political, academic, technological, and scientific domains.