Contextualizing Women Empowerment: A Capability-Based Analysis of Challenges and Training Needs in Skills Acquisition Programmes in Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2026409Abstract
Skills acquisition programmes represent a critical pathway for women's economic empowerment and poverty reduction. However, despite government and stakeholders’ investments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), women continue to face substantial barriers that limit their participation and success in these programmes. This study explored the challenges women encountered during their skills acquisition programmes and training needs. The phenomenological qualitative approach was employed as a research design. The sample size consisted of 40 purposively sampled women participants from eight (8) skills acquisition centers across Zamfara State. Data were collected through focus group discussions and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings from the study revealed that challenges encountered by women participants include inadequate training and preparation, inadequate training facilities, more emphasis on theory than practical, time constraint, among others. The study found out that women needed practical experiences and exposure; specialized skills, provision of resources and support, mentorship and startup kits or funds. This finding implied that to achieve sustainable women empowerment, policymakers and practitioners must consider the importance of combining skills acquisition with infrastructural support, financial access, and mentorship. This study concluded that women are keen on gaining more experience, financial support and continuous guidance if their training needs were met. The study recommended, among others, that much emphasis should be placed on practical (hands-on) learning in all skills acquisition centers through internships, apprenticeship programmes and simulation-based learning.
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