Factors Affecting Women’s Career Advancement: Open and Distance Learners’ Prespective

Abstract

According to World Bank Report, female population in Malaysia was reported at 49.3% in 2016. Women play prominent role in today world because they carry variety of roles in the family, community and society levels. In the 1st Malaysia Plan (1966-1970), Malaysia government has incorporated women in the development of the country. Following the 5th Malaysia Plan (1986-1990) and the adaptation of National Policy Women in 1989, the role of women in development have been increasingly reflected. It is undeniable that women made significant contribution in the business industry; however gender inequality still exists in the labour force around the world. Nevertheless, the women’s position in the labour market is much more disadvantageous than that of men. Women have smaller chances to be employed, starts a business or advancing in the career ladder. A total sample of 213 open and distance learning (ODL) learners in several private and public education institutions in Malaysia were collected in this study. This study aims to investigate the learners’ perception on the factors affecting women’s career advancement using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results of this study would be able to assist educators to fulfill their responsibilities to help all learners to develop their abilities and skills to create supportive industry environment for women. The results showed all the factors; character, lack of support, treatment and family issues in this study has significant impact on the respondents’ perception. Meanwhile, educators will be able to review the course curriculum to better prepare graduates for the realities of gender empowerment in the workplace. // Paper ID 54