Objectives

Objectives were determined by a series of questions posed within the Terms of Reference, as follows (4).

  1. To provide an analytical structure for strategic planning and policy development by CCLOW regarding the role of education and training in achieving full economic equality for women, with specific reference to the impact of policy on:

i. Access

The study will examine the impact of policy with respect to the following:

  • Who is receiving education and training in Canada, by ethnicity, socio-economic background, age, geographical location, etc.?

  • What are the dispositional (e.g. learning styles, attitudes), situational (e.g. lack of access to child care for single parent mothers), and institutional (e.g. inappropriate schedules, high fees, inappropriate offerings) barriers to women? What recognition is there in policy and program for the particular needs and attributes of women, for example, women's learning styles?

  • What are the entrance criteria of education and training programs? - What are the financial requirements, and what sources of funding are available?

ii. Privatization

The study will examine the impact of policy with respect to the following:

  • What are the implications of privatization for women's education and training?

  • What is happening to the quality and content of courses?

  • What is the impact of restrictions on the length of programs with respect to quality?

  • Who and what groups are receiving funds to train women and for what?

iii. Outcomes

The study will examine the impact of policy with respect to the following:

  • What are the outcomes for women participating in education and training courses?

  • What measures are being used to evaluate the outcomes of women's education and training?

  • How are the benefits distributed between the women receiving the education and training and trainers and employers in the profit and not-for-profit sectors?
  1. To identify areas requiring further research, exploration or monitoring and/or action, both in general terms and with specific reference to CCLOW.

  2. To produce a final report which will provide information and critical comment concerning the identified subject area and relevant issues which can be used as a resource tool for CCLOW's advocacy work. The report will be designed to be readable and interesting; for CCLOW members, for representatives of other organizations concerned with feminist and social justice issues, and for policy and decision-makers in institutions and governments.


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