Ufeministi Anyidado trains HR Practitioners on Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence

As part of efforts to help employees recognize inappropriate behaviors and understand their rights, a Non-Profit Organization (NGO), Ufeministi Anyidado for Vulnerable Women and Children has trained some Human Resource practitioners on preventing and responding to sexual harassment and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at workplaces.

The workshop, focused on equipping Human Resources leaders with the necessary knowledge, tools, and strategies to foster safe and respectful work environments.

Executive Director of Ufeministi Anyidado, Marina Carmen Kelly, said that as an NGO, their primary aim is to promote the rights of women and children as well as help to combat Gender-Based Violence in Ghana.

She stated that HR practitioners play a pivotal role in creating a culture of zero tolerance towards SGBV and supporting survivors hence the reason for targeting them for the training.

“As HR leaders, you play a vital role in creating safe and respectful work environments. This workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to prevent and respond to SGBV, promoting a culture of zero tolerance and support for survivors,” she stressed.

Mrs. Kelly encouraged the attendees to collaborate in making the workplaces an environment where everyone can thrive without fear of violence and discrimination.

She expressed gratitude for their commitment to this ideal and emphasized the importance of making a meaningful impact, starting today.

She stated that the historic signing of the Affirmative Action Bill by Parliament represents a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality, adding that the legislation paves way for a more inclusive and equitable society, stressing the importance of ensuring its effective implementation in workplaces.

Lawyer Alex Nartey Esq. also noted that issues of sexual harassment are contemporary democratic and human rights concerns, and the active participation of HR managers is crucial in mitigating these challenges.

He noted the importance of a holistic approach in managing sexual harassment, adding that it should encompass law, ethics, professionalism, culture, and values.

Addressing the misconception that Ghana lacks sufficient legislative measures to tackle sexual harassment, he urged the HR practitioners to recognize the existing provisions and take proactive steps.

“The legislative framework that we need to enable us to do what is expected of us does not need to be explicit. It only needs to establish enabling grounds for the HR practitioner who is actually the key stakeholder in managing this to navigate into efficient management of the issue at hand,” he explained.

He cited various constitutional articles, including Article 17 and Article 18, which, though not explicitly mentioning sexual harassment, provide the foundation for interventions against it.

Highlighting the societal attitudes and cultural norms that complicate the issue, he called for a shift in perception and greater responsibility among individuals.

Clinical psychologist, Ebenezer Korli, drawing from his extensive experience working with vulnerable groups, provided a comprehensive overview of the physical, emotional, and cognitive repercussions of SGBV.

He explained that victims of abuse often conceal their health issues, resulting in recurrent health problems that are difficult to diagnose and treat.

He indicated that sexual and gender-based violence can trigger pre-existing mental health conditions, exacerbating issues like depression, anxiety, and social phobias, which severely affect a person’s ability to function in their daily lives.

He emphasized the importance of establishing safe and confidential spaces where victims can share their experiences without fear of repercussions.