Togbe Adom Drayi II, Head of the Organisation Department of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) on Thursday said women can discharge their leadership duties as effectively as men in the unions, if given the chance.

He noted that investing in training programmes for women as well as creating support networks in the trade unions can help women to assume leadership positions.

Togbe Drayi made the observation at a seminar organised by the GTUC to mark the celebration this year's International Women’s Day, which had the theme “Decision Making in Unions, Getting Women involved”.

He said gender inequality had become a permanent issue in developing countries in all aspects of lives, saying traditional beliefs and practices, as well as poverty and the resistance of men to change, were some major reasons why women still remained relegated to the background.

Togbe Drayi said “The union is the heritage of all members, men and women alike and supporting women to be part of the decision making in the unions is securing the future of all trade unions”.

He pointed out that to create the condition of involving more women in decision making in the union, men must also change their attitudes to give way for women to develop themselves.

Mrs Alberta Laryea-Djan, Head of International Department of GTUC said young workers in the union also needed to be given some recognition, by creating opportunities for them to have representatives in various committees and at the executive level.

She said it was important for young people in the union to understand the mission, vision and objectives of the union to participate effectively in all activities.

“The organisation of capacity building workshops, formation of youth desks and resources to function were some activities that could help sustain and empower young workers already in the union,” she added.

Mr Kofi Asamoah, Secretary General of GTUC said the celebration focused on women’s economic, political and social achievements.

He said it was a day when women were recognised for their achievements regardless of age, ethnicity, culture, economic or political differences.

Mr Asamoah noted that since 1911, when the first IWD was marked in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, the day had assumed a new global dimension for women all over the world.

“Much progress has been made in promoting gender equality in our society, but a lot still remains to be done. With increased commitment from policy makers, women and men working together in our society can reduce gender imbalances, “he said.