Lived experiences of motherhood among students in a university in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Despite ongoing attempts to minimise pregnancies at a young age, early childbearing continues to be one of the world’s most pressing social concerns. South Africa is not immune to this problem, with many young females becoming mothers at an early age. Although South Africa’s fertility rate has decreased over time, the prevalence of early childbearing remains high.

Aim: This study explores the experiences and perspectives of young mothers who are university students.

Setting: The study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods: This was a qualitative study and employed an exploratory research design. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 African women, aged 18–24 years, to learn about the challenges that young mothers face daily and how this affects their academic careers.

Results: The mothers indicated that it was challenging to balance parenthood with their academic pursuits because both are incredibly demanding. As a result, the student mothers’ academic performance suffers, reducing their future earning potential. Most young mothers were single and unemployed, so they relied on their parents to care for them and their children. Almost all the mothers reported limited assistance for young mothers at the university.

Conclusion: A national education policy should require universities to adopt resources or specifically designed programmes to promote better support for student mothers.

Contribution: This study highlights the need for a better understanding of, and continued research into the type of support structures that are available for student mothers.