Trabalho, estudo e maternidade: desafios da permanência de mães universitárias nos cursos de graduação

This study aimed to analyze, based on an integrative literature review, the main challenges faced by university mothers in remaining in higher education, considering the multiple social roles they perform and the influence of institutional policies in promoting their inclusion and academic persistence. The research gathered studies published between 2019 and 2025. Sixteen articles were selected, sourced from the CAPES Journal Portal and Google Scholar, which discuss the difficulties experienced by student-mothers in balancing academic life, work, and maternal responsibilities. The findings indicate that student mothers experience work overload, emotional and physical exhaustion, limited time, financial difficulties, lack of institutional childcare services, rigid academic deadlines and insufficient institutional support. These factors contribute to academic delays, course withdrawal and increased stress and anxiety. Although some mothers develop individual coping strategies, such as reorganizing routines and relying on family support, these actions are insufficient without structured institutional policies. Based on these results, an intervention plan was developed focusing on flexible academic policies, financial support, psychological and pedagogical assistance, support networks and institutional actions sensitive to maternal needs. It is concluded that higher education institutions still present significant barriers for women who reconcile motherhood and undergraduate studies, highlighting the need for the implementation of practices that promote equity and inclusion.