They also investigated how unions and workplaces might be approached in order to attract more female-dominated or mixed female/male settings. They were particularly interested in the question of how WEST might become more woman-positive in the larger context of the Federation and in the particular context of skills education programs.

A second focus for this research was the response of the course leaders, both male and female, to the equality framework for the training and follow-up. The training not only included specific sections on anti-sexism and anti-racism, it also facilitated awareness of racism and sexism throughout the two week-long sessions. Ongoing changes have been made to the training manual to emphasize the need for an anti-discrimination approach that fits the needs of Saskatchewan workplaces.

Debbie and Nikki interviewed one group of course leaders during their training and also talked with women and men who have completed their training and are now involved in classes. During these sessions they explored what effect this training approach had on the women and men who have been involved both as individuals and as members of families, communities, and workplaces.

This is what happened

Debbie and Nikki began by exploring their personal experiences of how and why they became involved as course leaders. They reflected back on the two one-week training programs and the way in which their participation affected their lives and the people close to them. They discovered that, as women, they encountered different problems such as difficulties in leaving their children to go for the training sessions and being alone in an unfamiliar setting with strangers.

One very positive result was the strong personal growth and the discovery of their strengths and abilities. Many opportunities arose directly due to their initial involvement in the WEST program. For example, after Lori left her job as WEST coordinator, Debbie was hired as one of two replacements.

Debbie and Nikki found that many women chose not to come to the WEST program in their workplaces because of lack of childcare or because of their responsibilities at home. Of those women who were in a program, there were still times when they missed classes for the same reasons.