The Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL) has always believed that significant change is guided by bold action. Gender Equality is not just a goal or an objective but a necessity. As IAWL continues its mission to support African women in law and create more inclusive spaces for them, the Institute was honored to visit five leading law firms in Accra, firms committed to gender equality and setting a precedent worth emulating.
The Gender Equality in Law (GEL) Model Policy is a carefully drafted document by the IAWL to guide institutions and organizations in creating gender-sensitive and inclusive work environments. It is a publicly accessible resource that all institutions should adopt. This policy is the result of rigorous research conducted to survey the prevalence or otherwise of sexual harassment, gender bias and stereotypes, inequitable hiring and promotion and unequal pay for equal work in the legal profession across Africa.
The IAWL team first visited B & P Associates, where the Managing Partner, Ms. Adelaide Benneh Prempeh, warmly welcomed them. She commended IAWL for advancing the gender equality agenda and spoke passionately about the law firm’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender. She further noted that the policy isn’t just about compliance but about leading by example and creating a workplace where everyone, especially women, can thrive. A short signing ceremony was then conducted where Ms. Benneh Prempeh, IAWL’s Executive Director, Professor J. Jarpa Dawuni, and two representatives from the firm signed the adoption certificate. The certificate, and a copy of the GEL Model Policy were presented to the firm to signify its official adoption.
The IAWL team then visited ENSAfrica Ghana, where the Institute was commended for its efforts and commitment to gender inclusion in the legal profession. Ms. Patricia Mumuni, representing Ms. Amina K. Kaguah, the Managing Partner, emphasized the role of collective action in driving change. Professor J. Jarpa Dawuni was joined by Ms. Patricia Mumuni, Mr. Paa Kwesi Morrison and two representatives from the firm to sign the adoption certificate, after which an official presentation of the certificate and the GEL Model Policy were made.
Next, the IAWL team visited AB & David Law Firm, which is committed to challenging the status quo. They prioritize gender equity in every aspect of their operations, from reducing unconscious bias in hiring to fostering an inclusive leadership pipeline. A team was put together to review and streamline the GEL Model Policy within their existing company policies. This is more than a policy change—it’s a cultural shift. Ms. Isabel Boaten, Managing Partner and President of the Greater Accra Regional Bar, signed the adoption certificate with Professor J. Jarpa Dawuni and two representatives from the firm, after which an official presentation of the certificate and the GEL Model Policy were made.
The team visited N. Dowuona law firm, where they received the GEL Model policy with a reassurance that it would be put to good use. Ms. NanaAma Botchway, the founder and Managing Partner, could not have put it better:
“The adoption of this Policy, is not to cross off a checklist, but is a crucial step towards building the gender-equal legal profession we desire.”
Ms. Botchway signed the adoption certificate with Professor J. Jarpa Dawuni and two representatives from the firm, after which an official presentation of the certificate and the GEL Model Policy were made.
The IAWL team then visited the Sam Okudzeto & Associates firm, where they were received warmly. Ms. Offeibea Asante, an associate with the firm, recounted the launch of the Gender Equality in Law Campaign held in Movenpick Hotel, Accra last year and stressed the importance of continuing on this journey of gender equality in the legal profession. Ms. Victoria Barth, the Managing Partner and Vice President of the Ghana Bar Association, also shared remarks on how they intended to streamline the Model policy with their firm practices. Mr. Sam Okudzeto, the founder and Senior Partner, highlighted how the firm has taken the necessary steps to create a conducive working environment for women. Ms. Barth signed the adoption certificate with Professor J. Jarpa Dawuni and two representatives from the firm, after which an official presentation of the certificate and the GEL Model Policy were made.
These visits affirmed one thing—-organizations were beginning to understand and align with the vision of promoting gender equality in the workplace. Together, let us shake the existing systems and drive meaningful change. Let us take steps to ensure women in law reach their fullest potential. Let us promote this change….one organization at a time.
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