THE EFFECT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS ON WOMEN'S ENTRY INTO DECENT WORK IN IKWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

THE EFFECT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS ON WOMEN'S ENTRY INTO DECENT WORK IN IKWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

In the pursuit of gender equality and economic development, empowering women to access decent work is of paramount importance. In regions such as Ikwo Local Government Area, where socio-economic disparities persist, understanding the impact of education and training programs on women's entry into decent work becomes imperative. This comprehensive exploration delves into the dynamics of education, training programs, and their effects on facilitating women's engagement in meaningful employment within Ikwo Local Government Area. Education encompasses formal schooling as well as informal learning processes that contribute to individuals' knowledge, skills, and capabilities. In this context, education serves as a fundamental tool for personal development and socio-economic empowerment (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO], 2020). Training programs refer to structured initiatives designed to enhance individuals' skills, competencies, and capacities in specific areas relevant to employment or vocational pursuits. These programs often focus on practical skills acquisition and may target various demographics, including women (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2018). Decent work, as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), encompasses employment that is productive, respects workers' rights, provides adequate income, offers social protection, and ensures opportunities for personal development and social integration (ILO, 2019). Women's Entry into Decent Work denotes women's participation in gainful employment that meets the criteria of decent work, including fair remuneration, safe working conditions, and opportunities for advancement and skill development. The relationship between education, training programs, and women's entry into decent work is multifaceted and dynamic. Education serves as the foundation upon which women can build skills and competencies necessary for meaningful employment. Training programs complement formal education by providing specialized knowledge and practical skills tailored to the demands of the labor market, thereby enhancing women's employability (World Bank, 2019). Consequently, improved education and access to training programs are likely to positively correlate with increased opportunities for women to secure decent work. Factors such as availability of schools, infrastructure, and educational resources influence women's ability to acquire formal education (UNESCO, 2020). Gender norms and expectations may hinder or facilitate women's access to education, affecting their participation rates (United Nations Development Programme [UNDP], 2019). The presence of vocational training centers and programs tailored to women's needs can significantly impact their ability to acquire relevant skills (ILO, 2018). Costs associated with participating in training programs, such as tuition fees and transportation expenses, may act as barriers for women, particularly those from marginalized communities (World Bank, 2019). Discriminatory practices in recruitment, promotion, and remuneration can limit women's access to decent work opportunities (ILO, 2019). Absence of policies promoting gender equality in the workplace may perpetuate disparities in decent work opportunities for women (UNDP, 2019). Understanding the interplay between education, training programs, and women's entry into decent work is crucial for devising effective strategies to promote gender equality and economic development in Ikwo Local Government Area. By addressing barriers to education, enhancing access to training programs, and implementing supportive policies, stakeholders can facilitate women's meaningful participation in the labor force, ultimately contributing to inclusive growth and sustainable development..

1.2 Statement of the problem

In Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria, women face significant challenges in accessing decent work opportunities, hindering their socio-economic empowerment and overall development. Despite various interventions aimed at enhancing women's participation in the workforce, there remains a gap in understanding the effectiveness of education and training programs specifically tailored to women in facilitating their entry into decent work.

 

Research indicates that globally, women are disproportionately affected by unemployment and underemployment, often facing barriers such as limited access to education, discriminatory hiring practices, and lack of skills training (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2020). In Nigeria, gender disparities persist in the labor market, with women often relegated to informal and low-paying jobs, constraining their economic independence and social mobility (Okeke-Uzodike, 2017).

 

While education and training programs are recognized as potential mechanisms for addressing these disparities, their impact on facilitating women's entry into decent work, particularly in the context of Ikwo LGA, remains underexplored. Existing studies have primarily focused on broader issues of gender inequality in the Nigerian labor market, offering limited insights into the specific challenges and opportunities faced by women in Ikwo LGA (Okafor, 2019).

 

Therefore, the central problem this research seeks to address is: What is the effect of education and training programs on women's entry into decent work in Ikwo Local Government Area, Nigeria?

1.3 Objective of the study

1. To identify the existing education and training programs available for women in the Ikwo LGA.

2. To examine the effectiveness of education and training programs in equipping women with necessary skills for decent work in Ikwo LGA.

3. To explore the barriers faced by women in accessing and benefiting from education and training programs in Ikwo LGA.

 

1.4 Research Questions

1. What education and training programs are available for women in Ikwo Local Government Area?

2. How effective are these education and training programs in preparing women for decent work in Ikwo LGA?

3. What are the main barriers hindering women from accessing and benefiting from education and training programs in Ikwo LGA?

1.5 Research hypotheses

Null Hypothesis (H0): Education and training programs do not positively correlate with women's participation in decent work opportunities.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Education and training programs positively correlate with women's participation in decent work opportunities.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study will contribute to understanding the current status of women's participation in the workforce in Ikwo Local Government Area.

It will provide insights into the effectiveness of existing education and training programs in preparing women for decent work.

Findings from this study can inform policymakers and stakeholders about the barriers faced by women in accessing education and training programs and help in designing targeted interventions to address these barriers.

Recommendations derived from this study can guide the development of more inclusive and effective education and training programs aimed at promoting women's entry into decent work, thus fostering socio-economic development in the area.

The study may also serve as a basis for further research on gender equality, workforce participation, and economic empowerment in similar contexts.

1.7 Scope of the study

This study focuses to identify the existing education and training programs available for women in the Ikwo LGA, examine the effectiveness of education and training programs in equipping women with necessary skills for decent work in Ikwo LGA, and explore the barriers faced by women in accessing and benefiting from education and training programs in Ikwo LGA. Hence women in Ikwo LGA shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.9 Definition of terms

Decent Work: Refers to employment that is productive, secure, and provides fair income, social protection, and opportunities for personal development and social integration, as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Education and Training Programs: Formal or informal initiatives aimed at enhancing individuals' knowledge, skills, and competencies for specific roles or occupations, including but not limited to vocational training, skill development workshops, and academic education.

Women's Entry into Decent Work: The process by which women gain access to and participate in employment opportunities that meet the criteria of decent work, including factors such as job security, fair remuneration, and opportunities for advancement.

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