Deterrents to Women's Participation in Continuing Professional Development

This study was designed to explore and define key factors that deter women from participating in continuing professional development (CPD) in the workplace. Four dimensions of deterrents that are caused by women's social roles, gender inequality and gender dimensions are discussed: family and time constraints, cost and work constraints, lack of support systems, and lack of career advice and resources. Further, the article discusses the anticipation and interpretation of women's involvement in CPD in relationship to their pre-adulthood experiences. Recommendations are provided to assist human resource development professionals in their efforts to increase women's participation in CPD, promote a gender equal workplace, and create a learning organization environment.