By Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo
Dr Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU) has launched the Gender and Diversity Centre (GADC).
The initiative, which is a collaboration with GIZ, is aimed at creating a safer space to advance gender and diversity as well as position the University as an institution of choice.
The Director of the Centre, Professor Hamidatu S. Darimani, stated that the creation of the Centre was inspired by the overwhelming demand to correct discrepancies in academia in connection with issues of diversity, equity, gender and inclusion.
GBC’s Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo in this write-up says the gender and diversity centre is mandated, among others, to provide leadership on diversity issues and to partner with development agencies to upscale the understanding of issues relating to diversity.
The Director of the Centre, Professor Hamidatu Darimani, expatiated on the development of an inclusive culture at the University.
She stated: “We want to create a workplace where individuals feel able to be themselves and can thrive. We recognise that inclusion is a choice that needs to be consciously cultivated and reinforced in order to become part of our culture. It requires an ongoing focus: leading by example, challenging non-inclusive behaviours and letting others feel comfortable to also challenge these behaviours.”
“We would encourage more females into science-based programs of the University. Leadership would be very interested in Gender and Diversity activities for national development,” Prof. Darimani noted.
Dr. Constance Awinpoka Akurugu of Simon Diedong Dombo University for Business and Integrated Development Studies made a presentation titled “Gender and Diversity: The Role of Dr Hilla Limann Technical University”.
Touching on diversity, she pointed out that the triple roles of women—community organising activity, reproductive and productive role—have huge demands on their time.
“It is important for higher education institutions to recognise these kinds of strains on women’s time and how community organising activity and the reproductive role can affect their productive role. So if you have a boss, like I was once told ‘so you want me to reduce your workload just because you have a baby?”
The GIZ Regional Coordinator for the Northern Sector of Ghana, Professor Marco Turco, indicated that the Centre will serve as a catalyst for creativity and intellectual freedom.
“Now you have a place where you can be creative and you can express intellectual freedom and people will come and talk about culture this, culture that. Not everything in every culture is right.”
The Vice Chancellor of Dr Hilla Limann Technical University, Professor Elias K. N. Sowley, was excited about the initiative, noting that the Centre will create a safe haven for female students particularly, to pursue their studies and manifest their true potentials.
He emphasised that “we would set ourselves achievable targets effect of increasing intention of women in our important boards, enrolment of female students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs and creating a disability friendly environment. We would set a wide range of initiatives designed to improve diversity in our recruitment and development.”
The Vice Chancellor of Tamale Technical University, Professor Abbas Braimah, stressed the need for eccentric students to be given the opportunity to blossom. He stated that “everyone is a flower and for them to blossom, we have to water them”.
Dr. Solomon Dansieh of DHLTU, who chaired the function, suggested that paternity leave be considered with the operationalisation of the Centre, saying that in Scandinavia, paternity leave is normal for men.