Address inequality in pay gap in Ghana – TUC
THE Trades Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana has joined the global community in observing International Equal Pay Day, drawing attention to the persistent issue of pay inequality in the country.
This annual event highlights the ongoing disparities in wages for women, despite equal qualifications and contributions to the workforce.
According to Mr. Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the TUC, the gender pay gap continues to disproportionately affect women in Ghana and around the world. He emphasized the need for collective action to address the systemic barriers that perpetuate unequal pay, including occupational segregation, underinvestment in women’s education, and limited opportunities for leadership roles.
In Ghana, the gender pay gap is a reflection of deep-rooted societal issues. Women are often funneled into lower-paying jobs, and the “motherhood penalty” compounds these inequalities, as women with caregiving responsibilities face additional hurdles to career advancement. These challenges reduce their earning potential and hinder their overall economic empowerment.
On International Equal Pay Day, the TUC urged the government and other stakeholders to take bold steps to close the pay inequality gap. The union called for the swift ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 190 and 183, which address violence and harassment in the workplace, as well as maternity protection.
Additionally, the TUC emphasized the need for effective implementation of Ghana’s recently passed Affirmative Action Act to ensure equal access to opportunities for women across all sectors.
The TUC also advocated for national legislation promoting transparency in pay structures and penalizing discriminatory practices. Such laws would ensure that women receive fair compensation for their work and prevent wage disparities from continuing.
As the TUC commemorates this important day, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for gender equality in the workplace. It called on the government, businesses, and society as a whole to work together toward a future where every woman in Ghana can achieve her full potential without facing pay discrimination. By closing the gender pay gap, the country can move toward a more inclusive and equitable workforce.
