The Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, says TTU’s vision to attain gender parity at the University in five years is on track. Rev. Prof. Eshun said this during an interaction programme between women and the Vice Chancellor organised by TTU’s Centre of Excellence for Gender Disability and Advocacy, CEGENDA.
While presenting data on gender for teaching and non- teaching staff, the Vice Chancellor said is important integrating a gender policy at all levels since women must enjoy the same opportunities as men.
He said a lot of capacity building has been planned for next year and therefore encouraged female teaching staff to work as a team, seek online PhD and do their best to bridge the gap between the men and women in-line with the with the University’s vision.
“Women should not concentrate on only their problems all the time but learn to strategize otherwise the men will always leave them behind. “, he said.
Also speaking on plans to make it easy for women to have to time to progress, the Vice-Chancellor added it is awaiting approval from the Tender Board Committee to start a University Basic School to enable female staff enrol their children right on campus. He also encouraged the women to go for online PhD programmes as plans were far advanced on capacity building in next year budget.
The Pro VC, Prof. Victor Kweku Bondzie Micah, aside congratulating leadership of CEGENDA for creating an opportune platform for females to gather and interact with the Vice Chancellor said mentoring is key in academic environment, hence urged the women to meet more often to come out with ideas and channel work together.
Prof. Micah said the University Council has approved females to be picked for National Service so they can be employed in future.
Giving the rationale for the women’s interaction with the VC, the Director for CEGENDA, Prof. Abigail Padi said such interactive programmes is to provide them with an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other as well as set the tone for dialogue and discussion on the unique challenges they may face in their various fields.
“It’s to share their successes and strategies for overcoming obstacles, and explore how they can collectively advance their careers and aspirations”, she added.
While acknowledging the remarkable achievements female staff of the University have attained over the years, Prof. Padi emphasized the Centre’s readiness and strive to create a supportive and empowering environment for all.
She further encouraged all women to actively ask questions and engage in open and honest conversations.
Prof. Padi said as women working in academia and playing various roles across the university, they are pioneers and role models working together to inspire the next generation of female leaders, researchers, and educators who could break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive and equitable academic environment.
She expressed gratitude to the women for participating in the programme and most importantly thanked the Vice Chancellor as well as other management members for their presence which reaffirms their commitment to gender equality and advocacy.
Participants had the opportunity to seek clarity on issues and answers were immediately provided.
