A Perspective on Benefits of Postgraduate Study on Women in Kenya

Abstract

This research study is a perspective on benefits of postgraduate study on women in Kenya with three objectives: 1) Evaluate effects of studying on a woman's life; 2) Examine what motivates women to study at postgraduate level; and 3) Explore rewards of postgraduate education to women. The subjects in this study were 32 female students reported in their role as mothers of child (ren) eighteen years old or younger enrolled for postgraduate study at University of Nairobi. Using a qualitative approach, the study gathered data from thirty-two participants through open-ended interviewing questioning, using a structured interviewing tool. These study findings reveal that although postgraduate student mothers experience conflict between various commitments like childcare, domestic, work and academic responsibilities, they were able to overcome these difficulties with highly developed organization, time-management skills, family support and by sacrificing sleep and recreating time for their families. The women were strongly motivated by the desire for personal achievement, and the opportunity to create a better future for their families specifically their children. These study findings demonstrated that postgraduate study rewarded women with a sense of freedom, growth, pride and achievement, as well as developing their professional identity. It also provided them with a major opportunity to grow and develop their personal abilities while raising their children. Suggestions for policy changes are discussed as well as the need to widen accessibility and participation in graduate study for women who have young children.