“Work Experience Education” in secondary schools in India: a women’s empowerment perspective

This study looks at women’s education in India, arguing that young women should be empowered to enter the labor market. Women’s empowerment, along with school education, is one of the main contributors to women’s participation in the workplace. This study examines Work Experience Education (WEE) in secondary schools from the perspective of women’s empowerment. WEE, as a subject, reduces socio-economic disparities and helps participants achieve self-improvement through practical activities and experiences. Interviews with teachers and student questionnaires were conducted in secondary schools in X city in Maharashtra to examine current teaching approaches and students’ acceptance of teaching. Results showed that first, current classroom activities differ from the original curriculum. Second, teachers and students, especially male students had expectations associated with teaching/acquiring disciplinary knowledge and multiple skills (two out of the three components of WEE). Third, WEE contributes to three aspects of women’s empowerment: access to resources, job opportunities, and the acquisition of decision-making skills. However, few students or teachers expected to receive a boost in self-esteem, one of the key aspect of women’s empowerment. The present study indicates that enhanced self-esteem is a crucial element in women’s work-related education in South Asian developing countries, where development is based on a patriarchal system. The results of this study indicate that WEE in its current form does not establish sufficient levels of self-esteem, a crucial component of women’s empowerment.