By Sharon Atieno
This study examined how gender sensitive training can improve women’s labour market outcomes for technical training and vocational education and training institutions.
It was conducted by the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) in four technical training institutions namely: Kabete National Polytechnic, Nairobi Technical Training Institute, P.C Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute and Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology to conduct the research.
The study used a randomised controlled trial, lab experiments and qualitative approaches to evaluate the impact gender-sensitive skills training on improving female’s entry to the labour market, economic empowerment and wellbeing outcomes.
The baseline study was conducted in September 2022 and the intervention in October 2022. Midline study was concluded in May 2023.
The study observed that whereas traditional TVET training addressed important gaps in equipping learners with technical skills, there were gaps in soft-skill trainings such as communication, socio-psychological and emotional competences, which undermined females’ entry to high-value sectors and jobs.
According to the study, more women than men preferred to be employed in the public sector while more men than women preferred to set up business and get into self-employment. Women were also willing to accept much lower pay for any type of employment as compared to the male counterparts.
In addition, more women than men were likely to perceive that there were more women who working even if that was not the case. The women also perceived that at some point women are harassed commuting to work or just commuting or at work.
These outcomes form the preliminary findings of the study. Endline study will be conducted in October and is expected to provide conclusive findings, which will then be shared with various stakeholders.
Project title: Gender-Sensitive Training to Improve Women’s Labour Market Outcome
Lead institution: Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP)
Project title: Gender-Sensitive Training to Improve Women’s Labour Market Outcome Lead institution: Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP
