Sleeping With Debt
Sleeping With Debt
The Aotearoa Tertiary Students’ Association (ATSA) President, Julie Pettett is concerned that the Student Loan Scheme debt is driving women to prostitution. In a Wellington newspaper, an escort agency advertisement included student loan as a reason to take up the ‘profession’. This signals that the effect of student debt on women is out of control.
“When women feel they have to supplement their chosen career to clear student debt, it is a sure sign that the loan scheme is failing,” said Julie Pettett, President of ATSA. “Clearly the stress of student debt is being underestimated and needs to be addressed.”
“Indicative research shows that there are real negative post study affects of student loans on women,” said Pettett. “ATSA believes that the harsh reality of the scheme is now appearing.”
“ATSA believes that student loan debt will have a negative effect on this country if unchecked and this government needs to seriously address the issue.”