INTRODUCTION

The Canadian Congress For Learning Opportunities For Women (CCLOW) is a national, non-profit and voluntary organization concerned with the provision of learning opportunities for women in Canada.

The stated objectives of CCLOW are sixfold:

1. To promote networking of individuals and organizations involved with learning opportunities for women.
2. To identify barriers to learning and to promote change.
3. To support and encourage learning and training for women.
4. To investigate unmet needs in adult education programs and services.
5. To assess and promote innovative learning programs for women.
6. To publicize critical issues in women's learning through briefs and position papers.

The Survey:

The Women's Learning Needs Survey was undertaken in the Spring of 1984 as an attempt to assess closely the educational requirements of the many Nova Scotian women living in rural areas. The survey is also an integral step in the movement to establish an active women's network in this province. This network would facilitate the exchange of information and resources: promote clearer communication between government agencies and the public: and provide a support system.

The first steps to establish such a network were taken in May, 1981 by Dr. Janet Eaton, who conducted a networking project for CCLOW as a preliminary study into the benefits and feasibility of establishing this system. She made a number of contacts with women at the local, provincial and national levels and attended a conference entitled "The Rural Connection" in Ontario in May,1981.

These preliminary contacts were expanded upon in February 1983 by Dr. Eaton through a focus study on the women residing in the Eastern Shore area. The specific purpose of this project was to clarify information on the learning needs of the women, previously gathered on an informal basis. It was also intended to provide educational programs as a response to those stated needs. The method chosen to investigate the subject was a door-to-door survey conducted in Sheet Harbour. It should be noted that the survey was not confined to women but collected male responses as well.