Confidence classes introduced

By Jonathan Tomlin

Oxford University has set up assertiveness classes for female students to try to encourage them to compete for high paid jobs.

The Springboard Women Development Programme will help 45 women to improve self-confidence and build on their strengths.

The four day programme comes amid figures revealing that female graduates tend to earn up to £3,000 less than their male counterparts on average.

A spokesperson for the programme has said: “[The] Programme enables women to take more control over their own lives by identifying the clear, practical and realistic steps that they want to take and developing the skills and confidence to take them.

“Some women steam up their career ladder after attending the Springboard Women’s Development Programme, whilst others stay in the same job but with a new sense of purpose and a more positive attitude.”

Jennifer Hegarty, a second year PPEist at St John’s, commented: “It was a really good experience and explained a lot about the challenges women sometimes face in their careers. I definitely recommend taking part.”