By Emma WENANI
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day under the theme Accelerate Action, it is a call for Ghana to move beyond discussions and actively drive gender equity in the workplace. While progress has been made, women continue to face some challenges, from leadership underrepresentation to pay gaps and limited access to growth opportunities. The time for incremental change is over. Now is the time for bold, intentional action.
Where do we stand?
Ghana has seen significant strides in gender representation, with women occupying key leadership roles in banking and finance, telecommunications, and public service. However, the numbers still reveal disparities:
- Women hold fewer than 30percent of senior management roles in most organizations.
- Gender pay gaps persist, with women earning significantly less than their male counterparts in similar roles.
- Women remain underrepresented in STEM, finance, and executive leadership positions.
While policies promoting gender balance exist, enforcement and cultural shifts within organizations remain slow. Without accelerated action, progress will remain stagnant therefore we will need certain key actions to drive gender equity:
- Prioritizing policies for gender equity
One of the most effective ways to accelerate gender equity is through strong, gender-inclusive policies. Organizations must go beyond symbolic gestures and implement concrete policies that promote women’s advancement. These include equal pay structures, career development programs, and workplace policies that eliminate bias and discrimination. Ensuring that the workplace is not just diverse but truly inclusive will create opportunities for more women to rise into leadership roles.
- Commitment to more than a diversity box-ticking exercise
Companies must move beyond tokenism and actively champion gender equity. This starts with Executive Level buy-in. Leaders at the very top must set the tone by creating a culture where women are not just included but empowered. Policies must translate into measurable actions, including setting clear gender parity targets for leadership roles.
- Pay and advancement opportunities
Transparency in salary structures and promotions ensures that women are not left behind. This does not mean that people will be paid the same in organizations because certainly other factors come to play but the disparity in range should not be too wide. Additionally, mentorship and sponsorship programs can be institutionalized to encourage more women rise into executive roles.
- Encouraging women in STEM and finance
Ghana’s corporate sector must invest in STEM and finance programs for young women, offering scholarships, internships, and mentorship to increase female representation in mostly male-dominated fields. Gender equity should not start just at recruitment but at the education and pipeline-building stage.
- Creating safe and inclusive work environments
Addressing workplace bias is critical. Companies should strengthen anti-harassment policies, provide confidential reporting mechanisms, and ensure equal representation in decision-making forums. Training in unconscious bias and inclusive leadership should be mandatory for all employees.
- Flexible work policies to support work-life integration
Many women face the double issue of career and family responsibilities. Organizations must embrace flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work models, parental leave policies, and childcare support systems. A workplace that acknowledges and supports women’s realities fosters productivity and retention.
The business case for gender equity
Investing in gender equity is not just a social obligation, it is a strategic business decision that drives innovation, profitability, and long-term success. Studies consistently show that companies with diverse leadership teams outperform their competitors, benefiting from a broader range of perspectives, improved decision-making, and increased creativity.
In Ghana’s evolving corporate landscape, organizations that prioritize gender equity attract top talent, enhance employee satisfaction, and strengthen their brand reputation. Moreover, gender-balanced workplaces lead to higher productivity and economic growth, as they unlock the full potential of the workforce. By creating inclusive policies, ensuring equal opportunities, and actively addressing biases, companies can foster a culture of fairness and excellence. One where both women and men thrive, ultimately driving sustainable business success.
Time to accelerate action
Corporate Ghana stands at a pivotal moment. One where it can either continue with slow, incremental change or take bold steps to ensure gender equality becomes a reality.
Achieving gender equity in corporate Ghana requires deliberate, consistent, and bold action. Policies must be enforced, mindsets must shift, and women must be empowered, not just in words but in practice. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s move from dialogue to real impact. By working together, we can create workplaces that are inclusive, diverse, and equitable for all. The future is equitable but only if we accelerate action today.
I wish all the young girls and women around the World, a Happy International Women’s Day!
>>>the writer is Chief Director, Global Media Alliance. LinkedIn: Emma Wenani
