The General Secre­tary of the Indus­trial and Commer­cial Workers' Union (ICU) Ghana, Mr Morgan Ayawine, has warned employers against gender-based employment discrim­ination and wage disparity.He said such practic­es were illegal under the country's Labour Laws and employers must strive not to fall foul to it.Speaking at the 6th National Women's Quadrennial Dele­gates' Conference in Tema yesterday, Mr Ayawine urged employers to recog­nise and respect the equal value of women in the workplace."It is disheartening that women continue to face workplace dis­crimination, often due to the false assumption that they are unreliable because of fam­ily and maternity responsibilities.

Such assump­tions are unjust and undermine the immense capabilities and contributions of women," he said.Mr Ayawine stressed that women should never be penalised for their biological roles."When we talk about gender equality, we mean equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal treat­ment-regardless of gender," he added.Quoting Section 68 of the La­bour Act, 2003 (Act 651), he high­lighted Ghana's legal commitment to the principle of 'Equal Pay for Equal Work', which is also champi­oned by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).He reaffirmed ICU's commit­ment as a gender-friendly institu­tion to advancing fair recruitment, retention, and treatment of women across all sectors."This moment calls for reflec­tion, solidarity, and action.

We remain dedicated to amplifying the voices of women workers and pro­moting gender justice within and beyond our union," Mr Ayawine said.The Conference, held ahead of the ICU's 12th Quadrennial Delegates' Conference, served as a platform to assess the activities of the National Women's Wing over the past four years and to reconsti­tute its leadership for the next term.Mr Ayawine also reiterated ICU's efforts to expand its structures to encourage greater female participa­tion in leadership roles, including Heads of Department, Regional Officers, and Project Coordinators.He further called for national support for the ratification of the Affirmative Action Bill, recently passed by Parliament, to enhance the status of women who make up over half of Ghana's population.Mrs Esinam Afua Poku, Head of the ICU Youth and Gender Desk, welcomed delegates, acknowledging their dedication and resilience.She presented a detailed report of the Women's Desk's activities from 2022 to 2025, highlighting progress in leadership development, policy advocacy, and inclusive participa­tion."The strides made over the past four years reflect the strength and determination of women across all regions," Mrs Poku noted."As we reflect and dialogue during this conference, may we be inspired to continue championing the rights and dignity of women." FROM TIMES REPORTER, TEMA