Barriers to Continuing Education among Working Muslim Women in Government and Semi-Government Organizations in Malaysia

Abstract

The forces of the knowledge-based and global economy have made it essential for every citizen to contribute towards the development of the country. In the case of Malaysia where women comprise a crucial half of the productive workforce, their contribution can have significant impact on the country's development. Today many Muslim women in Malaysia are educated and making important contribution to the country's economy and monetary contribution towards better standard of living for their families. However, not many women further their education once they have joined the workforce and started their families. This article reports on research conducted among 85 Muslim women working in eight government and semi-government departments in Perak (a northern state in Malaysia) and seeks to provide information on their (a) reasons for non-participation and (b) relationship between reasons for non-participation and demographic variables. Data indicated three barriers: financial constraints, family commitment and lack of benefits which reflect situational and dispositional barriers consistent with earlier findings. The inquiries also showed that demographic characteristics together with deterrent factors do have an impact on women particularly in advancing their education.