Poorvi Seth
Introduction
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, skill development programs are crucial in equipping individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed for career success. However, for many young women, access to these programs remains a challenge due to gender bias, limited outreach, and inadequate online training opportunities. These barriers not only restrict their career growth but also hinder economic progress by keeping a significant portion of the workforce underutilized.
To create a truly inclusive and diverse workforce, it is essential to implement gender-sensitive policies that ensure equal access to skill development programs. Challenges Women Face in Skill Development Programs.
1. Gender Bias in Training and Career Choices
One of the biggest challenges is the deep-rooted gender bias that influences career choices. Women are often encouraged to pursue careers in traditionally “feminine” sectors such as healthcare, education, or fashion, while technical and high-paying fields like engineering, IT, and finance remain male-dominated. This bias discourages women from enrolling in skill development programs that could open doors to better career opportunities.
2. Limited Awareness and Outreach
Many skill development initiatives fail to effectively reach women, particularly those in rural or marginalized communities. Due to cultural norms and societal expectations, women may not be aware of the training opportunities available to them. Additionally, many programs do not consider women’s unique challenges, such as mobility restrictions and household responsibilities.
3. Lack of Accessible Online Training
While online learning has made skill development more accessible, women still face significant barriers in the digital space. Many women lack access to technology, internet connectivity, or even a safe space to study. Additionally, the absence of flexible learning options that accommodate caregiving responsibilities makes it difficult for women to complete online courses.
4. Financial Barriers
The cost of training programs can be a major obstacle for women, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Even when programs are subsidized, hidden costs such as transportation, learning materials, and childcare can prevent women from participating.
5. Workplace Discrimination and Lack of Career Progression
Even after completing skill training, women often struggle to find jobs or advance in their careers due to workplace discrimination. A lack of mentorship and networking opportunities further limits their professional growth, making it harder for them to establish themselves in male-dominated industries.
Gender-Inclusive Policies: A Path to Change
To address these challenges, skill development programs must incorporate gender-inclusive policies that empower women and ensure their full participation in the workforce.
1. Promoting Women in High-Growth Industries
Governments and organizations should actively encourage women to enroll in training programs for high-paying and high-growth sectors like STEM, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. Providing scholarships, mentorship, and industry partnerships can help break the stereotypes that limit women’s career choices.
For example, initiatives like “Women in Tech” provide targeted training and networking opportunities to help women build successful careers in technology.
2. Strengthening Outreach and Awareness
Skill development programs need to implement gender-sensitive outreach strategies to ensure that women, especially in rural areas, are aware of the opportunities available to them. Strategies such as:
- Community engagement programs
- Social media campaigns
- Collaborations with local women’s organizations
- can help spread awareness and increase participation.
3. Improving Access to Online Training
To make digital learning more accessible for women, organizations and governments should:
- Provide subsidized internet and digital devices for women.
- Offer flexible, self-paced online courses that fit into women’s schedules.
- Feature more female instructors and role models in training programs.
For instance, platforms like Coursera and Udemy are offering free and low-cost courses tailored to women, but more targeted efforts are needed.
4. Financial Support for Women’s Training
Providing financial aid, stipends, and scholarships specifically for women can help cover training costs, transportation, and childcare expenses. Governments and private companies should invest in financial support programs to ensure that economic constraints do not limit women’s access to skill development.
5. Creating Inclusive Work Environments
Women should not only receive training but also be supported in the workplace through:
- Equal pay policies
- Leadership and mentorship programs
- Anti-discrimination laws and policies
Organizations like “Women Who Code” and “Lean In” have been instrumental in providing mentorship and career advancement opportunities for women in various industries.
Success Stories: Programs That Are Making a Difference:-
1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) – India
PMKVY is a government initiative that has successfully trained millions of young people, including women, in various trades. Special efforts have been made to ensure women’s participation in non-traditional sectors like IT and manufacturing.
2. SheTrades Initiative – International Trade Centre
SheTrades connects women entrepreneurs with global markets by providing them with training, mentorship, and financial resources. Thousands of women have been able to start and scale their businesses through this initiative.
3. Women in Digital Economy Initiative – African Development Bank
This initiative focuses on bridging the digital gender gap by providing women with digital skills, access to technology, and financial support, helping them build careers in the digital economy.
Conclusion
Breaking barriers in skill development requires more than just training programs—it demands a comprehensive, gender-inclusive approach. By addressing gender bias, expanding access to learning, and promoting workplace inclusion, we can create a more equitable and diverse workforce.
Governments, businesses, and educational institutions must work together to ensure that skill development programs truly cater to women’s needs. With the right policies in place, we can empower more women to participate in the workforce, contribute to economic growth, and build a more inclusive society.
The future of work must be inclusive, and gender-inclusive policies are the key to making that a reality.
What are your thoughts on gender-inclusive skill development? Share your views in the comments below!
About the contributor: Poorvi Seth is a fellow at Young Women Leaders in Public Policy Fellowship 2.0 and a student at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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Acknowledgment: This article was posted by Bhaktiba Jadeja, visiting researcher and assistant editor at IMPRI.
