UG Partners Institute for African Women in Law to Publicly Adopt and Mainstream the Gender Equality in Law Model Policy
The University of Ghana through its School of Law has once again set the pace by becoming the first public institution to publicly adopt and mainstream the Gender Equality in Law Model Policy.
This Model Policy, which addresses sexual harassment, equal hiring and promotion, equal pay for equal work and gender bias and stereotypes, is a product of the Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL)’s Gender Equality in Law Campaign (GELC) launched in Accra, Ghana, on 5 July 2024.
Addressing the gathering, Dean of the School of Law, Prof. Raymond Atuguba remarked, ‘As we move forward into this programme, let us remember that policies and plans alone will not create change; people do. The responsibility to uphold these principles and implement these plans falls on all of us. May this gathering be the catalyst for change as we make history together.’
On her part, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo underscored the University’s commitment to fostering a campus environment where gender equality is not merely an aspiration but a reality, as unequivocal.
‘We believe that creating a truly inclusive and thriving academic space requires providing equal opportunities and dismantling barriers that hinder the progress of any individual based on their gender. This is not just a matter of policy; it is deeply ingrained in our ethos as a leading institution of higher learning in Africa,’ she explained.
She continued, ‘The appointment of competent females as principal officers and to key leadership and management positions in the University is evidence of the fact that we do not only pay lip service to this assertion but we actually do live it.’
She further outlined some key initiatives being implemented by the University to promote gender equality. ‘We have implemented policies aimed at creating a safe and respectful campus environment, including robust anti-harassment policies and frameworks that address gender-based violence. The constitution of the Equal Opportunities Board and the launch of the Gender Policy are all initiatives to streamline and mainstream gender issues within the University,’ the VC stated.
She further reiterated the University’s commitment to the partnership with IAWL in making ‘significant strides in advancing gender equality within legal education and across our communities.’
In brief remarks, the Board Chair of IAWL, Ms. Elizabeth Adu, noted that ‘we are committed to supporting the work of women lawyers across Africa and the Diaspora.’
Presenting the Policy to guests present, Founder of IAWL, Prof. Josephine Dawani, thanked the Dean of the School of Law, UG for showing commitment towards the adoption of the policy. ‘
‘Dean Atuguba is a leader who exemplifies; someone is willing and able to put words into action. When I called him after we launched the Policy in July last year, he didn’t hesitate. He quickly put a team together to review the policy to make sure it was streamlined into the University of Ghana’s policies. He made sure that UG is the first public institution to adopt the policy,’ Prof. Dawani added.
She continued by stating, ‘We will be working with the Judicial Service of Ghana under the Chief Justice to ensure that they also adopt the policy. We will be discussing with the Ghana Bar Association, and I am very hopeful that they will also adopt this policy because we know we have a high number of women lawyers and it’s time to address these concerns.’
In officially adopting the Policy, officials from UG School of Law and IAWL signed the policy and after presented it to the School.
The Model Policy is a framework for advancing gender equality within the legal profession.
