Women in TVET: Breaking Barriers and Transforming Lives at Lokopio Hills Technical Institute

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience, dedication, and transformative power of women in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). In many communities, vocational and technical skills have long been male dominated, but the tide is turning. At Lokopio Hills Technical Institute in Yumbe, Uganda, women are leading the charge, making up 60% of the student population; a remarkable feat in a region where gender mainstreaming faces cultural and economic challenges.

Challenging the Odds: Women Thriving in TVET Lokopio Hills Technical Institute stands as a beacon of progress in a social-economically challenged region where traditional norms may not always favor women's participation in technical fields. The community is predominantly Islamic, where gender roles have traditionally been more rigid. However, these young women are challenging stereotypes, proving that with the right opportunities, they can thrive in technical and vocational fields just as well as their male counterparts. Why Women in TVET Matter for Economic Growth The impact of women's participation in TVET extends far beyond individual success; it drives national economic growth. Studies indicate that investing in vocational education for young women significantly boosts a country's economic prospects. For instance, in Kenya, every additional year of schooling increases a woman’s future earnings by 1,020%, allowing them to lift their families out of poverty and reinvest in their communities. .

Countries that prioritize TVET for women witness higher employment rates, greater innovation in industries, and a stronger workforce. Lokopio Hills Technical Institute is proving that when women gain technical skills, they become economic drivers, not just for themselves but for their entire region.

A Day in the Life: Juggling Farm Work, Digital Learning, and Technical Training The daily routine of a student at Lokopio Hills Technical Institute is a testament to their resilience and ambition. • The day might start on the farm, where students apply sustainable agricultural techniques, learning about agribusiness and food security or a welding workshop.

• Later, they transition to classroom-based technical training, mastering skills in mechanics, construction, ICT, and other hands-on trades. • In the afternoon, the shift moves to technology-driven learning, where students engage with eLearning platforms and Institute's LMS to access digital coursework, submit assignments, and interact with global educational resources.

This dynamic mix of practical work and digital literacy prepares them for the modern job market, where technology integration is key. These women are not just learning trades, they are preparing to thrive in a digital and tech-driven economy.

The Future of Women in TVET

Lokopio Hills Technical Institute’s success is a model for the rest of the world. When women have equal access to vocational education, they transform their families, communities, and economies. The future of TVET must continue to be inclusive, technology-driven, and accessible, ensuring that more young women have the tools they need to succeed. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate these trailblazers who are proving that women in TVET aren't just participating; they are leading, innovating, and changing the world.