Distance Education And Women Empowerment: The Women Who Dared At Distance Learning Institute

Abstract

In the past, the African female child had always been denied formal education due to various cultural and social prejudices.  Distance education has been employed by numerous women, who had earlier thus been deprived, to bridge the educational gap between males and females in the country.

These are mature females, of which the majority (54%) are within the age range of 30-39 years.  Most are employed, married (89%) and with children (89%).  The majority (60%) study between 10 and 15 hours per week.  Their reasons for studying through Distance Education vary and include attainment of higher education (80%), improved knowledge (86%), enhanced employment opportunities (47%), upgrading/promotion at work (90%), and improved economic power (21%) and social status (81%); a few (10%) have their sights set on the political terrain.