CONTINUING EDUCATION OF WOMEN: AN INTERNATIONAL FOCUS -
BERIT ÅS - & SIDNEY PRATT

Berit Ås is a professor and social psychologist associated with the University of Oslo, Norway. She has an extensive background in research, women's issues and political activity, serving either as member of the Norwegian parliament or an alternate member for the last ten years. Dr. Ås spent some months as a visiting professor in Halifax last year and her impact has been profound.

Sidney Pratt worked as a community developer and educator in Brazil for six years. She has been working with immigrant women in Toronto for the past seven years. Most recently she acted as resource person for the International Panel on Migrant Women, held at the Mid-decade Forum during the United Nations Mid-decade for Women Conference in Copenhagen. Sidney is currently working for the Ministry of Culture and Recreation of the Ontario Government.

The topic of this workshop applies to women who come to Canada as well as Canadian women who go abroad. Most immigrant women come to Canada attached to men. The consequences of being in Canada are that they are either isolated housewives, students, or work usually as marginal laborers, clericals, or semi-professionals. A number of women help their husbands operate small businesses.

One obvious need for education among these women is that of English or French as a second language. Some are not literate in their own language. This obvious need often obscures other vital needs for education pertaining to the laws, their rights, to political participation, life skills, health and sex education.

Less obvious is the need to be educated for long-term goals, to develop a class consciousness, and to break down myths and stereotypes. Groups working with immigrant women have attempted to put this kind of education in a socio-political context. When the immigrant women understand what is going on in their situation, they become more courageous. The women no longer see themselves as having individual problems.

* * * * *

Back Contents Next