By VERA DUSU
Balancing the demanding roles of motherhood and academia is one of the toughest challenges many women face today. It requires remarkable strength, emotional endurance and an extraordinary level of commitment to manage both responsibilities successfully.
Across campuses, countless women are striving to pursue higher education while raising children, often without adequate support or understanding from the society around them.
Time management is one of the greatest challenges for student mothers. Between caring for children, attending classes, completing assignments and studying for exams, the hours in a day often feel insufficient. A child’s sudden illness or unexpected emergency can easily derail academic plans, forcing mothers to juggle conflicting priorities.
Yet, despite these hurdles, many persevere, driven by their dreams and the desire to secure a better future for their families.
The emotional and mental strain of balancing motherhood with schoolwork can also be overwhelming. Guilt, exhaustion and anxiety are constant companions. Many mothers feel torn between their studies and the need to be present for their children. The internal conflict of wanting to excel academically while fearing they are neglecting their parental duties often takes a toll on their mental well-being.
Financial hardship is another major obstacle. With tuition fees, textbooks, childcare costs and household bills, the financial burden can be crushing. Some mothers are forced to make difficult choices—sacrificing personal needs or cutting back on essentials to keep their education on track.
The lack of a stable support system compounds these struggles. When family, friends or spouses are unavailable or unwilling to help, many student mothers are left feeling isolated and overwhelmed, battling fatigue and loneliness in silence.
Neglecting self-care becomes almost inevitable under these pressures. Sleepless nights, skipped meals and constant multitasking leave little room for rest or reflection. Over time, this can lead to burnout, affecting both physical and mental health.
The academic environment itself often intensifies the stress. High expectations, rigid schedules and the lack of consideration for parental responsibilities can make it difficult for mothers to cope.
Situations frequently arise where a mother must choose between attending a child’s important event or sitting for a crucial lecture. When a child falls ill, academic obligations inevitably take a back seat.
To build a more inclusive and supportive environment, educational institutions, families and communities must recognise these struggles and respond with empathy. Providing flexible class schedules, childcare facilities, counselling services and financial aid can go a long way in helping mothers thrive academically and personally.
By acknowledging these realities, society can begin to appreciate the resilience of mothers in academia. Their journeys are stories of courage and perseverance — reminders that with understanding and collective support, the pursuit of education can coexist with the responsibilities of motherhood.