Women’s socio-economic empowerment through integrated functional adult education in Dire Dawa City Administration, Ethiopia

This study examines the contribution of Integrated Functional Adult Education (IFAE) to women’s socioeconomic empowerment in the Dire Dawa City Administration, Ethiopia. A mixed-methods descriptive survey design was used to collect data from 252 women learners, 15 facilitators, and four program coordinators from four IFAE centers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA, whereas qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that women’s socioeconomic empowerment through IFAE is moderate, with no statistically significant differences across centers or across social and economic dimensions. Women learners reported positive perceptions of empowerment benefits, whereas facilitators had neutral views, suggesting a perception gap. Household obligations, little institutional assistance, insufficient finances, and the persistence of patriarchal norms were identified as major challenges. The study concludes that, while IFAE contributes to improving women’s confidence, participation, and income-related activities, its impact is limited without improved institutional support and program integration. The findings highlight the need to increase facilitator capacity, extend vocational components, and improve stakeholder collaboration in order to achieve more transformative empowerment outcomes.