By Priscilla Oye Ofori/Agnes Ansah, GNA
Accra, Nov. 10, GNA – Mr Tsonam Akpeloo, Accra Regional Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), says empowering women economically is key to addressing workplace sexual harassment, commonly known as “sex-for-jobs”.
He said equipping women with skills and providing opportunities for financial independence would reduce their vulnerability to sexual exploitation.
Mr Akpeloo made the remarks on the sidelines of a sexual harassment conference organised by The Ark Foundation in Accra on the theme: “Promoting Accountability, Safe Workplaces and a Culture of Integrity”.
“One of the shortest ways for industry to minimise the menace of sex-for-jobs is to build the capacity of our female members,” he said.
He said the AGI had initiated several measures to promote women’s economic independence, including its Women in Business programme, which supported women-owned and women-led businesses through improved market access and other opportunities.
The initiative, he said, was complemented by partnerships with institutional organisations and international donors to mobilise funds and provide training for members of the network.
The programmes aimed to equip female entrepreneurs and business leaders with the resources needed to achieve economic independence and empower others, he said.
Mr Akpeloo urged organisations to adopt workplace sexual harassment policies to deter perpetrators and promote safe working environments.
He called on employee associations and other stakeholders to make public education on sexual harassment a priority, particularly on reporting mechanisms and state institutions mandated to protect and support victims.
The conference followed President John Dramani Mahama’s call for legislation to criminalise workplace sexual harassment and the release of an investigative documentary by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, titled “Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow”.
The documentary alleged that female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School were lured and sexually assaulted by the school’s headmaster, Mr Zakaria Abdulai.
The conference brought together policymakers, employer associations and advocates to discuss measures to prevent sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse in workplaces and institutions.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Priscilla Oye Ofori/Agnes Ansah Email: [email protected]