Despite efforts to promote equality, gender disparities persist among second cycle teachers, impacting career advancement and the overall educational environment.
Gifty Missiame, a teacher at New Juaben Senior high school, argues that extending maternity leave among other concerns would create a more supportive environment, allowing female teachers to thrive.
With over two decades of experience in second cycle school, Gifty Missiame says many women are unable to advance their careers due to a lack of supportive policies.
” We don’t have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Family is the first thought of most Female teachers, it affects many who don’t aspire to get into higher education to impart knowledge. Having many more women at the second cycle level would greatly make a difference. Government should extend the maternity leave period from three to six month ideally,” She suggested.
Madam Mesiame emphasized that a higher ratio of female teachers in second cycle schools would provide vital mentorship and help close the gender gap, thereby addressing the surge in sexual abuse against female students.
“Because Female teachers are few, the girls are confiding in the male teachers, some of the male teachers are taking advantage of their vulnerability. More Female teachers would offer more system support to student girls,” she stressed.
His colleague, Eric Asante Morgan, acknowledged the evolution in teaching requires gender equity.
“with the evolution happening in teaching now, it is relevant that everyone is abreast with gender issues and gender parity to help make impact, affirmative Bill has been passed, its important we implement it well in our classrooms”
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development G 5, target 9 calls on governments to adopt and strengthen policies for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by 2030.
The passage of the affirmative action bill this year seeks to address gender imbalances.
