Abstract
This is an investigation into the effectiveness of the workshop method as an educational instrument of change in women's attitudes in order that they take full advantage of educational and employment opportunities. Gender inequalities in education, training, employment and promotion prospects still occur widely, in spite of recent legislation, and this situation will only change if women themselves change those attitudes which can be an obstacle to overcoming this situation. There are still relatively few women among the ranks of the decision-makers and until more women achieve a higher level- in their education and employment status or, at least, learn to articulate their needs, they will not achieve gender equality. Such needs might include effective child care facilities and career breaks and that 'part-time' or "job share' work should have similar conditions, pro-rata, to full-time employment. Workshops have been chosen as the subject of the investigation because they fit in with women's phase specific life/work patterns and also seem 'user-friendly' to people who may distrust, or feel out of touch with, other methods of education. They can create a safe learning environment with peer support, imparting methods of improving self confidence or useful skills. They can help women, who may undervalue themselves, to set personal goals and show them how they may take advantage of educational and employment opportunities. The workshop format, whether of short or long duration (half a day or a number of sessions spread over several weeks) can be used to give confidence or careers guidance to women at all stages in their lives and at all levels of educational achievement. The methodology used is both qualitative and quantitative, exploring the literature and history of women's education and employment and assessing the success of workshops as a change agent. This is achieved by means of the technique of illuminative evaluation, using taped interviews and questionnaires, case studies and participant observation, and by examining the theoretical background to workshops and their design.