An assessment of women groups training programmes offered by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare in Chinsali District, Zambia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the training programmes which are provided to women groups in Chinsali District. The study was necessitated by the fact that despite government providing training programmes to women’s groups, little was known about how effective these training programmes were in empowering the women. The following were the research objectives: (1) to establish whether or not training programmes addressed the womens’ felt needs; (2) determine the extent to which stakeholders participated in the planning of the training programmes; (3) establish how women participated during the training programmes; and (4) ascertain whether or not the principles of facilitation were employed by the facilitators. This study adopted a descriptive survey design and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. The sample was 140 respondents. The data was collected using Focus Group Discussion, interview guide, semi structured questionnaires and document analysis. Qualitative data was analysed by categorizing similar themes as they emerged. Quantitative data was analysed manually and was presented using tables and percentages with the help of Microsoft Excel. The findings of the study indicated that the training programmes did not respond to the felt needs of the women. This was because the training programmes were predetermined by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare (MCDSW) Headquarters. The study further revealed that stakeholders were not involved in planning; instead they were merely informed of the planned training programmes prior to training. The study also established that the women participated through question and answer sessions, role plays and as rapporteurs and time keepers. The study further revealed that the facilitators did not employ principles of facilitation during training because they were not trained in facilitation skills. Therefore, the study recommended that the MCDSW should not dictate the training content. The training content must come from the women themselves. The MCDSW should conduct needs assessments that are participatory. Community Development Officers should involve women and stakeholders in the planning of the training programmes. Lastly, the MCDSW should train all Community Development Officers who facilitate training programmes for women's groups in facilitation skills.