BEING A MOTHER IN UNIVERSITY: A STUDY ON MOTHERHOOD DURING MEDICAL GRADUATION IN THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO

Abstract

Despite the increasing access of women to higher education, educational exclusion persists as a historical challenge. Deep-seated cultural ideas about the female role as the primary caregiver and the demands of motherhood have been determining factors in their exclusion from the academic environment. This cross-sectional study investigated the challenges faced by university mothers, examining a sample of 60 medical students at institutions located in the state of São Paulo. Predominantly, the participants are of white ethnicity (81%), with a representative minority of mixed-race (15%) and black (4%) individuals. A small portion receives financial assistance, such as scholarships or funding (17%), mainly in private institutions (96%). Although only a small percentage of female students are pregnant or mothers during graduation, the majority are aware of someone in the same situation (64%). However, most are unaware of the existence of maternity leave during graduation, and none of the institutions offer daycare services. The lack of support and knowledge about maternity leave during graduation reflects the persistence of gender disparities in medical schools, potentially impacting the overall medical landscape. This underscores the urgency of policies that promote an inclusive environment and provide necessary support to student mothers.