The effect of vocational training courses on women's entrepreneurship: A SAMEK sample

It is an important factor for women entrepreneurs to take a more active role in business life in terms of strengthening the social position of women, increasing the level of development of societies, as well as creating new business lines. The effect of the courses provided by non-formal vocational education institutions on women's entrepreneurship with the aim of developing the female workforce and increasing their contribution to the economy of our country arouses curiosity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the courses provided by non-formal vocational education institutions on women's entrepreneurship with the aim of developing the female workforce in Turkey and increasing the economic contribution of our country. The participants of the study consist of 20 women who received training at SAMEK and then engaged in any entrepreneurship or employment activity. This research was carried out in accordance with the phenomenology pattern, which is one of the qualitative research methods. In the research, data were obtained by using a semi-structured interview form, which also includes demographic information. The findings are discussed in line with the questions and titles in the interview form. The interview questions were categorized under four main headings. The answers given by the participants to the questions were analyzed using the descriptive analysis method. The results of the research indicate that vocational courses have positive effects on the formation of women's initiatives and these effects are source of motivation, learning unknown things, creating network, making money, improving oneself, having experience and knowledge in the job, learning a profession, earning one's own money by contributing to their income, making good use of time, improving mental health, preparing for the profession, equipping them with the building blocks of the profession, and mediating being productive. The establishment of a system that facilitates the financial support procedures of the institutions that support women entrepreneurs can contribute to the increase in financial support. In addition, larger audiences can be reached with promotional activities and advertising activities for women's entrepreneurship.