Gender, Skill Development and Employability: The Context of Open and Distance Learning Perspective in India

Abstract

Skilled human resource is pivotal to social and national development. However, access to skill development opportunities is unequal across caste, gender and different socio-geographical locations. No doubt, various policies and five year plans in India emphasized upon expansion of skill development opportunities. However, the design and implementation of these programmes do not match completely to the needs of these groups and even the training provided to these clientele groups do not help them to avail relevant opportunities in the job market. The lack of gender focus in these schemes and programmes has resulted in lower participation of women in labour market and it has impacted in wide gender gap in various social and economic indicators. Stereotyped mindset with regard to education and employability of women and further unwillingness of the parents to invest on women’s education has led to gender disparity in education and employment. It is often assumed that education, particularly in the area of skill development is a means of achieving gender equality or improving women’s wellbeing. This paper reviews the policies and practices existing in National institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in India and how it has influenced in the improved enrolment of women in comparison to male in India in vocational education system. It also examines under what conditions women’s education directly impacted employment pattern and improved their life pattern. // Paper ID 546