“Affirmative Action Seeks to Correct Historical Wrongs” – Prof. Gadzekpo

Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, former Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to affirmative action as a corrective measure to address longstanding gender disparities in higher education.

Speaking on Campus Exclusive on Radio Univers, Prof. Gadzekpo explained that affirmative action is designed to rectify historical barriers that have limited women’s participation in certain academic disciplines.

“Affirmative action seeks to correct historical wrongs,” she said, noting that women were previously discouraged from enrolling in specific programmes.

According to her, entrenched societal attitudes contributed to these imbalances, with some families questioning the value of investing in women’s education due to expectations around marriage and domestic responsibilities.

Targeted Support in Admissions

Prof. Gadzekpo indicated that in some academic programmes, female applicants remain significantly underrepresented.

To address this gap, the University identifies academically strong female candidates during admissions and provides them with what she described as a modest advantage.

“We look out for sharp women, especially during interviews, and give them a little edge—not much,” she clarified.

She stressed that the approach is not arbitrary but forms part of broader institutional reforms and gender-sensitive policies guiding admissions and governance at the University.

Call to Engage Gender Policy

Prof. Gadzekpo urged members of the University community to familiarise themselves with the University of Ghana’s Gender Policy, which she said is publicly accessible.

“We invite the university community to read the gender policy so they can exert their rights under it,” she added.

Her remarks come amid ongoing national conversations on equity, representation and inclusion in higher education institutions, particularly in disciplines where women remain underrepresented.