The University of Ghana has launched its new Gender Policy geared towards creating a level playing field for all genders in the institution.

The document dubbed the Gender Policy was officially outdoored by the university’s Chancellor, Mary Chinery-Hesse on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

The policy is expected to provide a framework for realising a gender-equitable environment that engages both males and females in all critical spheres of decision-making.

The document looks to create “an environment that values diverse perspectives on the basis of gender equality, harnesses potentials and is supportive of men and women's diverse skills, perspectives and knowledge with the ultimate aim of enabling the realisation of optimal productivity for the greater good of the University.”

The document was launched at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana.

Speaking at the event, the Chancellor expressed her elation about the prospects of the policy.

“It gives me great joy to stand before you all today, at the launch of another milestone in the history of our Great University, particularly in the month we are celebrating the diverse contributions women have made towards shaping our world, our nation and our academic community."

According to Mary Chinery-Hesse, the unveiling of the document is timely considering that the world just commemorated International Women’s Day last week.

“As you are all aware, exactly a week ago, we participated in the celebration of the International Women’s Day, which is a day dedicated to the global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. As the Vice-Chancellor has noted, over the years, much has been done by way of ensuring gender equity in the University.

"The Gender Policy is therefore largely a formalised way of bringing together the many conventions and practices in gender equity in the University that have evolved over the years,” she said.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor of the Univesity, Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo welcomed the policy and expressed hope that it yields the expected results.

"As we introduce the UG Gender Policy, let us work together to forge a path that ensures that women and men, boys and girls, the marginalized and vulnerable, all have an equal opportunity to attain their full potential," she explained.

The launch formed part of the institution's 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Objectives of the University of Ghana Gender Policy

(i) Promote measures to achieve gender equality at all levels within the
University
(ii) Promote measures to achieve balance in the ratio of male to female
employees and students at all levels within the University.
(ii) Empower units to identify and develop innovative gender balance plans.

(iv) Provide an avenue for redress when there is non-compliance with the policy.