The Head of Gender and Youth Desk of Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU – Ghana), Mrs. Esinam Poku, has urged unions to ensure that the country’s workplaces are inclusive, supportive and responsive to the realities that women face.
Speaking at the union’s International Women’s Day celebration, under the theme “Rights, Justice and Action for all Women,” Ms. Poku stated that achieving gender equality requires commitment, fairness and concrete action, adding that women play a vital role in the economy and in the labour movement but face barriers that limit their full participation and advancement.
She stressed that unionists within the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union must continue to advocate strongly for the rights and welfare of women in the workplace.
Ms. Poku emphasised that important areas which require attention are commonly the natural stages of life that women go through, thus menstruation, maternity and menopause, stressing that menstruation should not be a source of stigma or discomfort at work, however, workplaces should provide supportive environments with adequate facilities to enable women thrive.
She indicated that maternity protection is important for women, to ensure that work and motherhood can be safely balanced without discrimination or job insecurity, while menopause which occurs late in a woman’s life should be handled with understanding and support at the workplace, as work policies promote the wellbeing and dignity of women.
She urged the union to renew its commitment to advocating for policies and practices that promote equality, dignity and fairness, as well as ensure that the workplace is conducive for women.
By Florence Asamoah Adom