Empowering Student-Mothers at Higher Education Institutions: A Call for On-Campus Childcare, Financial Help, Flexible Learning Options, and Mental Health Support

Abstract

Around the world, student-mothers face challenges when trying to start and finish their education.  These women, who are trying to improve their lives through education, often struggle with problems that make it hard for them to succeed. The challenges they face include a lack of affordable childcare, financial challenges, rigid class schedules, and high stress levels. These issues also resonate  in our country's higher education institutions (HEIs), where many determined student-mothers are unable to graduate because of these barriers. This policy brief calls for on-campus childcare, financial help designed for student-mothers, more flexible learning options, and mental health support, so these women can succeed in a more supportive university environment.