Students Say Women Still Face Barriers in College and University
On the heels of International Women’s Day, the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) wants to remind Canada that women have not reached equal footing at college and university.
“High tuition fees and record levels of student debt, when coupled with the persisting wage gap, impede many qualified women from attending college or university in Canada,” said Jessica McCormick, National Deputy Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students.
According to the CFS, women with a post-secondary education:
- Earn 68 per cent of the average annual earnings of their male peers.
- Are ten per cent less likely to find a job
- Are ten per cent less likely to work full-time
- Are three times more likely to work part-time.
They that added women who are able to secure full-time employment get an average fifteen per cent fewer hours of work a week.
The CFS also pointed out that student debt owed to the federal government has almost doubled in the last ten years, from $8 billion in 2001 to $15 billion in 2011.
“Ensuring affordable college and university education is available to women is a key factor for advancing women’s equality,” said McCormick.
“The federal government should be making access to post-secondary education a priority by taking steps to immediately reduce up front financial barriers.”
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