The Role of Open and Distance Learning in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment - A Case of Diploma in Primary Teacher Education - The Open University of Tanzania

Open and Distance Learning could not only help in gender equality and women empowerment, but also facilitate effectiveness of teaching and learning in primary schools. However there is little knowledge about the contribution of ODL to gender equality and women empowerment in Tanzania. The paper set out to examine the role of ODL in promoting gender equality and women empowerment focusing the Open University of Tanzania Diploma in Primary Teacher Education programme in particular. The study was carried out at Green Bird Teachers college during DPTE intensive face to face session. Students from the following Regional Centers: Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Arusha, Manyara, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam and Morogoro were involved. Questionnaire survey and documentary review methods were employed in data collection. A quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 16th version). While qualitative information was analyzed using content analysis.The study observed that majority of the respondents (96.6%) recognized the benefits of DPTE in their economic, political and social wellbeing. The reasons associated with the benefits of DPTE are mostly attributed to the expected positive outcome such as expanding the level of education, increase income and leadership after completing the course. Despite the observed benefits, increase in expenses, domestic echoes and distance reported as the most challenges that hinder the academic performance and progress of the course. The study concludes that studying through Open and Distance Learning provides student with flexibility of studying while working and handling family related matters. Thus, awareness about ODL should be provided regularly so as to attract a good number of Tanzanian to pursue their study at the Open University of Tanzania Keywords: Open and distance learning, contribution of Diploma in Primary Teachers Education, gender equality, and challenges of Open and Distance Learnin