Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2021): Special Issue on Gender I

Student-Mothers’ Experiences in Tanzania’s Higher Education Institutions: Motivational Factors and Challenges

https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v10i2.83
Fortunatha Mathias Matiba
kisanga
School of Education University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Corresponding Author(s) : Fortunatha Mathias Matiba

matibafm55@gmail.com

Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), Vol. 10 No. 2 (2021): Special Issue on Gender I

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 studentmothers 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 babysitters, 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.

Keywords

gender equity; higher education; parenting; student-mothers; Tanzania
Student-Mothers’ Experiences in Tanzania’s Higher Education Institutions: Motivational Factors and Challenges. (2021). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 10(2). https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v10i2.83
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Author Biography

kisanga, School of Education University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania




How to Cite

Student-Mothers’ Experiences in Tanzania’s Higher Education Institutions: Motivational Factors and Challenges. (2021). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 10(2). https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v10i2.83
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