Challenges and Coping Strategies by Unwed Mothers Pursuing Academic Program: A Qualitative Study

Unwed mothers pursuing academic programs embody strength and determination, proving that with resilience and adaptability, they can rise above challenges and succeed in their academic journey. The study was conducted at a higher education institution in Lanao del Norte using purposive sampling, involving nine unwed mother participants. Data triangulation was achieved through the inclusion of their classmates and instructors, bringing the total number of participants to 20, and data collection continued until saturation was reached. It explored the challenges and coping strategies f unwed mothers through an interview guide and Yin’s six-stage case study analysis. The findings revealed that unwed mothers in higher education face the heavy burden of balancing academic demands with parenting, often while struggling with financial and resource limitations. However, despite these challenges, they rely on strong support system from family, friends, faculty, peer groups, and institutional resources and view education as a vital path to empowerment and a better future for their families. The findings highlight the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive academic environment for these students. Additionally, this study recommends providing financial aid, flexible schedules, counseling, and on-campus childcare to support unwed mothers in completing their education and improving their lives.