An Investigation of the Relationship between Adult Literacy Programmes and Economic Empowerment Among Women in George Compound of Lusaka District

Abstract

This study examined the impact of adult literacy programmes on women’s empowerment in George Compound, Lusaka District. The study was motivated by the continued socio-economic marginalisation of women in low-income urban communities, where limited access to education constrains income generation, financial management, participation in household decision-making, and overall well-being. The main objective of the study was to assess the relationship between participation in adult literacy programmes and women’s economic and social empowerment. Specifically, the study sought to examine the influence of adult literacy participation on women’s confidence, engagement in income-generating activities, financial management practices, and involvement in household decision-making. A mixed-methods research approach was employed. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 50 women participants in George Compound, while qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and charts, whereas qualitative data were analysed thematically to capture participants’ experiences and perceptions regarding adult literacy programmes and empowerment outcomes. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aged between 18 and 45 years and had diverse marital and educational backgrounds. Approximately 58% of the respondents had participated in adult literacy programmes, with attendance ranging from once to three times per week. The study further established that participation in adult literacy programmes was positively associated with women’s empowerment. About 54% of participants reported initiating income-generating activities after joining literacy programmes, while 48% indicated an improvement in their income levels. Qualitative findings showed that adult literacy enhanced women’s self-confidence, numeracy skills, and ability to manage finances, enabling them to participate more actively in household decision-making, savings groups, and small-scale entrepreneurship. Despite these positive outcomes, the study identified several challenges affecting programme effectiveness, including financial constraints, heavy household responsibilities, inconsistent attendance, and cultural norms that limited women’s participation. In addition, inadequate funding and limited institutional support were found to threaten the sustainability of adult literacy initiatives. The study concludes that adult literacy programmes play a significant role in promoting women’s economic, social, and psychological empowerment in George Compound. Participation in literacy programmes was found to enhance self-reliance, improve financial management, and strengthen women’s decision-making power at household level. The study recommends strengthening adult literacy programmes through increased government and non-governmental organisation support, enhanced community sensitisation, and the integration of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership training into literacy curricula. Such measures are essential to improve programme sustainability and maximise the empowerment outcomes of adult literacy initiatives in low-income urban settings. Keywords: Adult Literacy, Women’s Empowerment, Education, Income Generation, Financial Management, George Compound, Zambia.