Between roles: Mother, student, or self?

Between roles: Mother, student, or self?

From Between the Lines by Institute of Development Studies

July 23, 2025 · 48 min · Season 7 · Episode 6

About this episode

The episode explores the challenges faced by mothers pursuing postgraduate degrees and their experiences balancing identity and academia.

What does it mean to navigate motherhood while pursuing a postgraduate degree? How do students balance identity, care, and academia in a world not built with them in mind? In this IDS Between the Lines podcast, MA Gender and Development (GAD) students Patronela Tshuma, Chaltu Merera Fana, and Akinyi Ochieng’ speak about their journeys as mothers pursuing higher education. Hosted by Akinyi Ochieng, the episode delves into personal stories of motivation, cultural expectations, identity conflicts, and the transformative power of education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Guests: Patronela Tshuma, Chaltu Merera Fana, Akinyi Ochieng’

Topics covered

  • motherhood
  • higher education
  • identity
  • cultural expectations
  • personal stories

Keywords

  • gender
  • development
  • education
  • student life

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