Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Marks 2020 International Women’s Day
The Gender Mainstreaming Directorate on Tuesday, 10th March, 2020 organised a workshop for staff of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) to mark the 2020 International Women’s Day celebration.
The workshop, held under the global theme “I am Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Right”, was graced by passionate gender activists such as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Prof. Andy Ofori-Birikorang; Head, Department of Sociology, University of Ghana, Prof. Akosua K. Darkwa; Gender Expert, Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-TEL), Ms. Dinah Adiko; and Channel Manageress, Pan Africa TV and Founder of Obasima Summit, Ms. Ama Pratt.
Prof. Dominic Mensah (in suit) presenting citations to the speakers (from top L-R); Prof. Ofori-Birikorang, Prof. Akosua Darkwa, Ms. Ama Pratt and Ms. Dinah Adiko
Speaking on the theme, Prof. Akosua Darkwa brought to bear wrong perceptions society has formed on women which has hindered their progress. She said gender equality had not been achieved due to those bad perceptions. She, therefore, charged the audience particularly the females to reflect on the global theme, make their own decisions and do things differently to achieve equality not just for women but for everyone.
Addressing the audience on the topic “enlisting men as allies of gender equality: it’s all about power”, Prof. Ofori-Birikorang indicated that men had become the dominant class dictating social construction and meanings because they wield power. He however, highlighted strategies that would entice men to advocate for gender equality.
Some of the participants in attendance
Ms. Dinah Adiko, who spoke on the topic “addressing sexual harassment in tertiary institutions”, hinted audience about certain comments, signs, and actions which set the tone for sexual harassment. She said “sexual harassment is an unacceptable behaviour. It has dire consequence”. She advised victims to seek redress using the reporting systems. “Don’t allow abuse to continue. Report!”
The next speaker on the programme, Ms. Ama Pratt enlightened audience on “I am generation equality” and urged everyone especially women to be bold, articulate and never inherit the silence of their mothers. “Let us, consciously, deliberately, every day of our lives decide in everything that is happening around us be conscious of the gender question, men and women always. If this generation decides that we are the generation that will make it happen, we will make it happen.”
The speakers with some invited guests in a group picture afer a successful programme
Citations were presented to each speaker for their contributions in making the programme a success.
Present to support the event were the Director, Institute for Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development (ITECPD), Prof. Dominic Mensah; Professor of Mathematics, UEW, Samuel Asiedu Addo; University Chaplain, Rev. Alexander Edwards; Head, Centre for School and Community Science and Technology Studies (SACOST), Prof. Kolawole Raheem; invited guests and some staff and students of UEW.
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