The Department of Persons with Disabilities/Equity, Inclusivity and Gender Mainstreaming at Sunyani Technical University (STU) held a workshop. This event focused on Gender-Responsive Pedagogy in Higher Education. Both academic and non-academic staff attended the workshop.
Key attendees included Vice-Chancellor Professor Kwadwo Adinkra Appiah, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Julius Caesar Puoza, and Registrar Mr. Stephen Yeboah. Other participants included the Director of Finance Mr. Thomas Kwarfo, Deans, and heads of various departments.
The workshop emphasized STU’s commitment to diversity and equity in education. It aimed to empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields. The discussion also addressed gender-based violence, which includes physical threats and sexual violence.
Statistics revealed concerning figures about global violence against women. An estimated 735 million cases of non-consensual sexual violence occur worldwide. Additionally, one in three women experiences domestic violence. In 2022 alone, around one million women faced domestic abuse.
During the opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor praised the organizers for their initiative. He highlighted the need to challenge stereotypes that impede societal progress. Outdated views of women’s roles must be replaced with opportunities for success across all fields.
Professor Adinkrah-Appiah discussed STU’s efforts to promote gender inclusivity. He noted a policy that offers female engineering students a 20 percent tuition discount. This initiative increased female enrollment in engineering from 0.3 percent to 6 percent.
Mrs. Nana Ama Mensah is the Deputy Director at Ghana TVET Service’s Diversity and Inclusive Unit. She reminded participants that gender is shaped by social norms rather than universal rules. Equity measures require intentional reinforcement through curriculum design and teaching methods.
As the main resource person, Mrs. Mensah advised lecturers to understand their students’ diverse backgrounds through intersectionality principles. Gender-Responsive Pedagogy (GRP) recognizes differences between men and women while addressing their unique needs.
She suggested strategies such as rotating technical roles and distributing questions evenly among students. Using inclusive examples and showcasing women professionals were also recommended practices.
Mrs. Mensah stressed the importance of language in classrooms, urging staff to avoid flirtatious undertones that undermine inclusivity. She stated that while inclusive education may incur costs, inaction carries a greater price.
Embedding GRP practices into teaching aims to enhance equity commitments at STU. This approach ensures all students thrive in an environment free from stereotypes and bias.
She also pointed out that sexual harassment remains a significant issue on campuses today. Unwelcome advances often manifest as exploitative practices like “This for That.” Mrs. Mensah urged everyone to maintain professionalism and respect within academic settings to prevent misconduct.
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