Providers were almost equally divided on the question of whether or not there is a difference between the learning needs of women and men in ABE programs 51 % replied that there was a difference, 49% replied that there was not.

One can still make the argument that the learning needs of women in ABE programs are different from those of men. The earlier discussion of the occupational status of students in ABE programs noted that 42 percent of women in ABE programs were identified as homemakers. Some of these homemakers will be entering the labour force for the first time; others are re-entering after a long period of absence. Clearly, these women need to learn about the labour market; that is, about what jobs are available, what skills are required, what a union is and is not. And, most important, they need to know about their rights as workers and to be confident enough to demand and defend these rights. They need to know how to look for a job, how to prepare a resume, how to present themselves in a job interview situation.

4.3.7. Separate ABE Programs for Women and Men

Providers were almost unanimous in their opinion about whether or not there should be separate ABE programs for women and men. Of 79 responses received, only 8 responded that there should be separate programs.

Two perspectives can be interpreted from these responses. On the one hand, separate programs would allow women to discuss their psychological and domestic problems within a supportive women's group. It may be recalled that when asked about the needs of women in ABE programs, the providers identified the major ones as educational and psychological needs. They also reported that two of the major barriers to women's regular attendance in the programs were personal and domestic problems. On the other hand, it may be functional for under-educated women to participate in some components of education on an equal basis with men as preparation for the workplace. The women students interviewed in this study clearly provide support for the first perspective (see Table 4-4).

4.3.8. Do ABE Programs Address the Needs of Women?

Only 14 percent of the respondents gave a definite "no" to the question: To what extent do you think your program addresses the needs of women'! Thirty-seven percent replied "yes -- a lot" and 49 percent replied "yes -- to some extent."

This question and its answer will be discussed at the end of the report.