The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), Ghana, has called on businesses to put a stop to wage disparities against women in the country as it perpetuates gender inequality, undermines women’s economic security, and hinders overall economic growth.
Speaking at the 6th National Women’s Quadrennial Delegate conference at Tema Industrial and Recreation Area, General Secretary, ICU, Brother Morgan Ayawine, said it is disheartening to acknowledge that in today’s modern age, women face discrimination in employment.
This, he mentioned, is as a result of a persistent misconception which suggests that women may not be reliable in the long term due to maternity and family responsibilities—an assumption that unfairly and unjustly undermines women’s capabilities and contributions.
“We therefore use this platform to strongly urge all employers who indulge in gender-based employment discrimination and wage disparity to desist immediately, and to recognize and respect the full and equal value of women in the workforce,” he mentioned.
He said women deserve equal pay for equal work, as enshrined in the principle of Equal Pay for Equal Work, which has been eloquently championed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and enshrined in Ghana’s Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), specifically under Section 68.
“Yet, in our part of the world, some employers continue to violate this principle—paying women less than their male counterparts for the same work. This unacceptable practice is not only unjust but an affront to the dignity and humanity of women,” he added.
Mr. Ayawine noted that ICU-Ghana, as a gender-friendly institution that upholds justice and equity for all, reaffirms its commitment to promoting laws and best practices that support the fair recruitment and retention of women in all sectors.
“We therefore use this platform to strongly urge all employers who indulge in gender-based employment discrimination and wage disparity to desist immediately, and to recognise and respect the full and equal value of women in the workforce,” he added.
He further called on stakeholders to support the swift ratification of the Affirmative Action Bill, recently passed by Ghana’s Parliament, as this crucial legislation will significantly advance the cause of women, who constitute more than half of Ghana’s population.
A five-member executive team was sworn in by the ICU Deputy General Secretary in Charge of Operations, Emmanuel Benimah, to control the affairs of the New ICU National Women Executives.
They include Sister Happy Aheto, Chairperson, Sister Mary Adwoa Appiah, Vice Chairperson, Sister Doreen Ayitey, Secretary, Sister Brightener Boateng, Assistant Secretary, and Emelia Etroo as Executive Member.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke