Abstract
The study aims to identify the motivating factors and the barriers encountered by women returning to study at tertiary level at the University of Zimbabwe. Data were collected from two main sources—survey questionnaire and in-depth interview. The study reveals that women in Zimbabwe are returning to study to empower themselves economically, improve their skills at work and to elevate their status in society. It is evident that work overloads and financial constraints hinder their participation. The study shows that these barriers are mainly a result of the gender expectations created by cultural and social values, which have relegated women to second class citizenship and confined them to the home. The government of Zimbabwe, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and women's agencies' efforts to remove gender discrimination are frustrated by a male-dominated society that is yet to fully accept women as equal partners. Apparently some women seem to accept the situation they are in thus defeating the efforts of those who are trying to uplift them. Out of the study, recommendations are made for policy makers and programme providers to consider in the effort to enhance development of women.
Published Version
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