The Student Voice

Doubling the cost of degrees in the humanities and social sciences has a disproportionate impact on women because they account for two-thirds of the students.

While Australian girls struggle to navigate their education and social lives under COVID-19 restrictions, many of their peers overseas have had their schooling cut short, as their families try to make ends meet.

Shamsea Alizada’s story of persistence is a reminder of advances in girls’ education in Afghanistan — and their vulnerability as the government negotiates with the Taliban.

Women make up around 55% of enrolments at university. But men are not at a disadvantage. They outperform women after they graduate in terms of both salary and seniority.