Abstract:
This study sought to investigate self-efficacy in vocational development of women in low
socio-economic communities. The main aim of the study was to investigate the sociocontextual
factors influencing self-efficacy of women. The objectives were fourfold: to
examine the levels of self-efficacy of these women; to ascertain the extent to which selfefficacy
influences vocational development of women and to propose a pragmatic women
developmental model for acceleration of access to vocational development. The study
utilised Self-Efficacy Theory (SET) as its theoretical frame-work which originated from
Bandura’s (1986) Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). The study employed the qualitative
phenomenological approach which is concerned about the everyday experiences of
individuals and how human beings experienced a certain phenomenon. The population
of the study comprised of women in low socio-economic communities, traditional leaders;
Community leaders; health workers and religious leaders. The sample for this study was
60 participants. Data were collected through interviews; participant observation; and
focus group discussions. The study recommended the pragmatic Partnership of the
Family, Church and the Society (F.C.S) Women Developmental Mode. The model
emphasizes the importance of teamwork between all the community structures to help in
building up the confidence of women in low socio-economic communities.
