The Independent newspaper reported how female university students beat male students in everything. With more women than men studying at university, less of them likely to drop out and more of them leaving with a better degree. Yet despite this the women leaving higher education are likely to earn a lower salary than men who are leaving with the same level of qualification.
Why is this? Well we are being told it could be down to the fact that women choose subject areas which are likely to lead to lower salaried positions. For example teaching or creative industries.
What should be done about this? I wonder who is to blame, do girls tend to choose sectors which pay less or are employers paying less because they know they can. Additionally what can be done to encourage girls into other sectors.
With a daughter planning on entering university this September I know how difficult the decisions can be about the course and career route to take. Our daughter has chosen a non traditional route for a girl yet she has had little encouragement or support for this.
I wonder if we are doing enough to open up the eyes of our young people in general to the opportunities out there and to encourage them in the choices they make.
19 hours ago
Posts
