The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has taken a significant stride towards fostering a safer and more inclusive environment by launching its Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) Policy. This initiative, unveiled during the International Women’s Day celebration on March 10, 2023, underscores the GIS’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality within its ranks and in its interactions with the public. The policy aims to create a workplace and service environment free from harassment and discrimination, ensuring that all individuals, both within the GIS and those they serve, are treated with dignity and respect. This comprehensive policy reflects the GIS’s recognition of the detrimental impact of SEAH on individuals and the organization as a whole and emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to prevent such occurrences.
The launch of the SEAH policy is aligned with the International Women’s Day 2023 theme, “Accelerate Action for All Women and Girls’ Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.” This alignment highlights the GIS’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and empowerment not only within its organization but also within the broader Ghanaian society. The policy addresses a crucial aspect of women’s safety and security, both in the workplace and in their interactions with public institutions. By tackling sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, the GIS is actively contributing to the creation of a more equitable and just society for women and girls.
The policy’s key objectives include increasing women’s representation at decision-making levels within the GIS, promoting the recruitment of more women into the service, and fostering a secure and inclusive workplace for all personnel. This multi-pronged approach aims to create a more equitable environment within the GIS, providing women with equal opportunities for advancement and ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the organization’s policies and practices. The policy also emphasizes the importance of a secure and inclusive workplace where all personnel feel safe, respected, and valued, regardless of their gender.
A crucial element of the SEAH policy is the establishment of an anti-sexual harassment committee. This committee serves as a reporting mechanism for both GIS officers and members of the public to report instances of misconduct. The accessibility of this reporting mechanism to the public underscores the GIS’s commitment to accountability and transparency. By empowering both internal and external stakeholders to report misconduct, the GIS aims to create a culture of zero tolerance for sexual harassment and abuse, ensuring that perpetrators are held responsible for their actions.
The policy’s development and implementation have been championed by key figures within the GIS, including Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Maud A. Quainoo, President of the Immigration Ladies Association, and Chief Superintendent Evelyn Danquah, Head of the Gender Mainstreaming Section. Their leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in bringing this crucial initiative to fruition. The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi, has also expressed his strong support for the policy, highlighting its importance in advancing gender equality within the GIS and aligning with the broader national and international goals of promoting women’s rights and empowerment.
The GIS has acknowledged the support of the Spanish Embassy in the formulation and implementation of the SEAH policy. This international collaboration emphasizes the global importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality. The GIS’s commitment to partnering with international organizations demonstrates its dedication to learning from best practices and implementing effective strategies to create a more inclusive and equitable environment. The SEAH policy represents a significant step towards achieving these goals within the GIS and serves as a model for other organizations in Ghana and beyond. By prioritizing the safety, security, and well-being of its personnel and the public, the GIS is solidifying its position as a leading institution in promoting gender equality and combating sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
