Exploring women-only training program for gender equality and women’s continuous professional development in the workplace

Abstract

Purpose Women make up about half of the overall workforce, but they are still underrepresented in higher pay, leadership and senior-level positions. Literature indicated genders are different in information processing, values, learning styles, behaviors and leadership styles. A customized women-only training program (WOTP) has been implemented cross-disciplinary; yet, the literature has limited discussions on the principle and outcome of WOTP. The purpose of this paper is to explore the purpose, application, challenges, advantages and disadvantages of WOTP. Design/methodology/approach Social learning theory was applied to investigate the fundamental principle of WOTP. Findings The implication of WOTP to human resource development (HRD) discipline was discussed, and three propositions were created in this paper. Originality/value This paper is expected to contribute to adult education and HRD research and practices on promoting gender equality in the workplace and to provoke dialogue about a training strategy – WOTP.