Vocational high schools for women in the context of women's empowerment: The case of İsmet İnönü Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School

In this research, it is aimed to reveal the role of "Vocational High Schools for Women" as an educational institution in terms of women's empowerment. In the research, it has been tried to comprehend the economic, political and socio-cultural contributions of the education received by the women who graduated from the Vocational High School for Women. İsmet İnönü Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Manisa was determined as the universe of the research. The sample of the study consist of 24 women who graduated from this high school. In this study, snowball sampling technique was used within the scope of qualitative research methodology. A semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who graduated from Vocational High Schools for Women. According to the research findings, it has been seen that Vocational High Schools for women have an important role in the economic, social, educational and political empowerment of women. Education has especially contributed to the development of women's socio-cultural, economic and political levels. Women studying in Vocational High Schools for Women were able to find a place for themselves in the social structure. In addition, in parallel with the education received in Vocational High Schools for Women, it has been determined that the participants carrying out professional activities have economic freedom. It has been observed that they make a living on their own professional income. Vocational High Schools for Women have made women aware of some fundamental rights and freedoms such as the righ to citizenship, the right to vote and the right to work. However, it has been observed that Vocational High Schools for Women should take a more active role in transferring fundamental rights and freedoms to women. Finally, findings have been obtained that Vocational High Schools for Women were more qualified educational institution in the past compared to today.