MOTIVATIONS AND BARRIERS TO EMPLOYED WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN ADULT EDUCATION

Evangelia Krassadaki, Evangelia Krassadaki, Maria Pavlis-Korres

Abstract


This study examines the motivations and barriers faced by employed women in the public and private sectors in Greece when participating in Adult Education programs. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. The sample consisted of 200 women (100 from each employment sector), who completed a structured questionnaire, while four semi-structured interviews were conducted to further explore the quantitative findings. The quantitative and qualitative research took place during March–April 2025. The results indicated that women demonstrate a strong willingness for training and professional development despite the multiple barriers they encounter. The main motivations identified were increased financial rewards, professional advancement, broadenιng intellectual horizons, the desire to serve as role models for their children, and the pursuit of better employment opportunities. The key barriers reported included participation costs, program duration, childcare responsibilities, inconvenient scheduling, and lack of information—barriers largely related to situational and institutional factors.

 

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adult education, women in adult education, motivations, barriers, lifelong learning programs

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i12.6447

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