Even once they finish school, many women struggle to find safe, stable employment. Vocational training offers a way forward. Around the world, women are more likely to work in the informal economy, where they are not protected by labour laws, do not receive fair wages, and are at greater risk of sexual harassment. With your support, we can work with our partners to provide women with vocational training so they can develop new skills, pursue empowering careers and gain financial independence.
Women without formal training for a career are more likely to work in exploitative environments. This could mean they are working in dangerous conditions, being under-paid, or being forced to work long hours. They are at greater risk of sexual assault and physical harassment. Unfortunately, many women will endure these poor work environments in order to provide for themselves and their families. They do not have the skills or resources to pursue a safe, fairly-paid and rewarding career.
We provide vocational training to women with our partners across the globe, developing programmes that are suited to the local labour market. This includes courses in nursing, hospitality, management, IT, business skills, and hairdressing. Through vocational training, women gain new job skills, develop confidence, and have the opportunity to take part in work placements during their course. Once they graduate, they are prepared for a new career and will be able to gain financial independence.
By providing women with good career opportunities leading to financial independence, women have the agency to make informed decisions about their own lives, and the financial means to support themselves. They are less likely to experience exploitation, unwanted marriage or coercion into sex-trafficking. Giving a woman an education today can also impact the next generation, as daughters who are raised by mothers with an education and career are more likely to have their own careers in the future.
