Challenges Faced by Women Leaders and Mothers Who Are Pursuing Higher Education in maintaining their Work-Life balance

Abstract

This study aims to explore single mothers' academic challenges in balancing career and motherhood. This study employed a qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design to explore the lived experiences of challenges faced by single mothers pursuing higher education in Sindh province. Using purposive sampling, five single mother students currently enrolled in higher education institutions were selected to share their experiences. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. According to the results, single mothers in higher education frequently face significant challenges of work–life balance, which may increase risks to both their own well-being and that of their children. It was also found that the mothers felt challenges by parenting their children instead of their academic responsibilities. Moreover, the study found that limited infrastructure of the institutions and financial hardship also affects student health and their study. Besides all these challenges, support from society and peers also plays an important role in helping single mothers to face these challenges. It was concluded that all educational institutions, student welfare institutions, and social agencies should follow those strategies which support and help single mothers to understand their children's needs.