Male enrolment in Canadian postsecondary education has stagnated for decades, contributing to a persistent gender gap on campus, reports Sonia Mendes of University Affairs. Women now make up 56.1% of students in Canada, according to 2022–23 Statistics Canada data. Mendes highlights several theories on the factors that may be influencing this trend, such as early academic disengagement, the appeal of direct-to-work careers, and “male flight” from feminized disciplines. Researchers urged policymakers to take the issue more seriously, asserting that this entrenched imbalance could have long-term impacts on labour markets, social mobility, and civic life. While institutions are attempting to address the gap with inclusive recruitment efforts—such as male-targeted marketing and outreach—experts argue that lasting solutions must begin in the K–12 system.
