An assessment of women groups training programmes offered by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare in Chinsali District, Zambia
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Date
2016
Authors
Kabwe, Mwenya Chisanga
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of 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.
Description
M.EDUCATION(ADULT EDUCATION)
Keywords
Women-education