Changes in immigration patterns and the labour market are opening up the way for a supply of women with out of country training in technology. My most current projects are designed to address the needs of this valuable resource of skilled individuals. The difficulty in assessing out of country training and in coping with language difficulties will, I hope, be addressed by providing locally recognized technical and language education. Success to a large part will again depend on instructors, coordinators, and resource individuals sensitive to the needs of women, in particular to immigrant and visible minority women.

Special curriculum is under development to ensure that participant needs are met in the program. The special needs of immigrant women regarding cross cultural awareness, human rights and gender issues, employment standards, and post-secondary classroom expectations in Canada will be addressed. In more isolated rural communities, my training programs focus on computer skills, home-based and small business management, with curriculum designed to meet the specific needs of women in an economically disadvantaged region.

Through the great changes have been encountered and the life stresses that have taken their toll, this article is dedicated to all the women who participated in my programs in the hopes that they continue to be pioneers, opening pathways for other women to follow.

Hannah Hadikein has been a private research and training consultant for the past eight years and finds that her learning and knowledge is continually expanded by the stories, experiences and expertise of grassroots women. Hannah is also the CCLOW-B.C. Director.