Management of the Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa on January 31, 2023 launched a Gender and Diversity Centre at the conference hall of the University.
The Centre seeks to, inter alia, create a conducive and inclusive environment in the University and even beyond through advocacy, policy making, curriculum development, support and service provision.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Professor Elias N. K. Sowley said promoting diversity and inclusion is a top strategic priority for the University. He added that the Governing Council and Management have seen the importance of equality and inclusion and are committed to seeing real and sustainable progress in the University.
Professor Elias N.K Sowley intimated that achievable targets would be set in respect of increasing the representation of women on important boards, enrolment of female students in STEM programmes and creating a disability friendly environment.
He concluded by indicating his commitment to creating an environment that is safe to promote research, teaching and learning and other institutional processes.
The Director of the Gender and Diversity Centre, Professor Hamidatu S. Darimani hinted that the Centre was expected to perform the following roles:
- Provision of leadership on Diversity issues within the University Community
- Be an advocate internally and externally to the University Community on diversity issues
- Manage the collection and dissemination about diversity issues.
- Partner with external development agencies and other stakeholders to maximise the understanding of diversity issues.
Professor Hamidatu S. Darimani, disclosed that the Centre would ensure that specific activities such as curriculum development and development of gender and diversity policy, anti-sexual harassment policy, records management among others are carried out to make the Centre sustainable.
On his part, the representative of GIZ, Professor Marco Turco, said the issue of gender diversity should not be misconstrued as a European agenda, but rather a global one. He said those who resist gender diversity are afraid of change and urged all to embrace change. He encouraged men not to be afraid of gender parity but that they should rather endeavour to collaborate with their female counterparts.
A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Public Policy Management, SDD-UBIDS and a gender activist, Dr. Constance Awinpoka Akurugu in her presentation said gender and diversity have been central to workplace practices as the world is moving towards greater inclusivity and leaving no one behind. She commended Management of DHLTU for establishing the Gender and Diversity Centre and observed that it was the first of its kind in the Upper West Region. She added that the Centre is very imperative to the development of DHLTU in particular and to the broader male-dominant and deeply patriarchal society we find ourselves in.
Dr. Akurugu charged the Centre to, as a matter of urgency, lead the development of Sexual Harassment and Gender Diversity Policies.
The Centre was duly launched by the Vice Chancellor of Tamale Technical University, Professor Abass Braimah.
The program was chaired by the Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, Dr. Solomon Dansieh. Deans, Directors, faculty, administrative staff, Chiefs, Heads of Senior High Schools and students were present at the launch.
Other officials, who formed part of the entourage of the Vice Chancellor of TaTU to the programme, were the Director of International and Institutional Linkages and the Director of Public Affairs.
