Abstract
This paper reports the findings on motivational factors and challenges that student-mothers face in Tanzania’s HEIs (HEIs). Specifically, the study set out to establish factors for female students’ plans to become mothers while in universities. It also explored the challenges these student mothers faced. Sixteen (16) student-mothers took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis facilitated data analysis. The study found that most of the student-mothers did not envisage having children while studying. The factors that influenced them to become mothers while studying included: ongoing university policies that allow female students to have children, assured support, health and age factors, religious beliefs, and ability to manage parenting roles. On the other hand, the student-mothers revealed the different challenges they faced, including: balancing time for studies and parenting, financial constraints, finding and dealing with baby sitters, accommodation problems, and psychological problems. In conclusion, the study calls for HEIs to empower female students with appropriate skills to make informed decisions in their relationships for the betterment of their studies and wellbeing.
Recommended Citation
Matiba, Fortunatha Mathias and Kisanga, Sarah Ezekiel
(2021)
"Student-Mothers’ Experiences in Tanzania’s Higher Education Institutions: Motivational Factors and Challenges,"
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences: Vol. 10
:
No.
2
, Article 9.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v10.i2.5