Zahra Soltani, Majid Goodarzi, Mina Jafari,
Volume 14, Issue 54 (2-2026)
Abstract
Objective: Technical and vocational education, as one of the fundamental pillars of human and economic development, plays a decisive role in enhancing skills, employability, and workforce productivity. Such training programs -particularly in rural areas- can provide an effective platform for developing practical and entrepreneurial competencies, thereby fostering the formation of dynamic human capital. When rural women are empowered through technical and vocational education, they not only acquire the skills necessary to enter the labor market and establish small or home-based enterprises, but also gain a deeper understanding of the economic potential within their local environment. This process contributes to increased household income, improved living conditions, and greater participation of women in rural economic development. Consequently, the linkage among technical and vocational education, women’s empowerment, and rural economic growth serves as a sustainable driver of poverty reduction, the creation of decent and lasting employment, and balanced development within rural communities.
Methods: The research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of nature and type. The required data were collected using documentary and survey methods. Quantitative techniques such as T-tests and the ARAS decision-making method were used for data analysis.
Results: The results of this study indicate that technical and vocational training generally has a positive impact on the lives of rural women across all four indicators of income, consumption, savings, and production. However, the extent of this impact varied across the county's districts. The Rud Talkh district experienced the most positive impact across all four indicators, while the North Tropical Bahmaei district experienced the least impact from these trainings.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of equitable and proportional distribution of technical and vocational training across the county and the necessity of tailoring the content of these trainings to the specific needs of each region.
