Factors affecting enrolment of women in technical courses at diploma level in TIVET institutions a case study of western Kenya

Abstract

The goals of Education have centrally been concerned with access to quality education and training. Hence denying individuals access to education and training denies them their human rights and an opportunity to develop their talents. The patterns of female school enrolment in Africa and elsewhere in the world are slow to change even though it is widely recognized that women should have the same educational opportunities available to them as men. Cultural prejudice, male domination, lack of education and exposure are some of the factors that have worked against women in the technical areas. This study examined factors affecting enrolment of women in technical diploma level. The study concentrated on four technical training institutions region of Kenya namely Sigalagala Technical Training Institute, Sang'alo Science and Technology, Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology, Technical Training Institute. courses at in western Institute of and Kitale Simple Random Sampling method was used for lecturers and other trainees while Stratified Random Sampling method was used for the female trainees in the technical courses to ensure their inclusion the study. Data was collected through questionnaires and personal interviews and analyzed using the chi-square and the analysis of variance CANOYA) at 0.05 level of significance. Analysis of the data set running from 1996 to 2005 revealed that there is significant difference in the enrollment of women and men in the technical courses. The results from interview schedules indicate that there is no significant difference between the drop out cases of men and women in the technical courses at diploma level. Based on those revelations, women should be encouraged to pursue technical courses to empower them and allow them to compete favorably with men for opportunities in employment. This will enable them participate in development initiatives essential for the achievement of vision 2030. Hence management staff should be induced on the strategies that encourage more women enroll for these courses. The study further recommended that women who have excelled in sciences and technical courses be included in policy making so as to represent their interests at higher levels. This will go a long way in enhancing the enrolment of women in the technical courses at diploma level of training which will in turn increase the supply of manpower for the industry.