MOTHERHOOD, PARENTING AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE AMONG FEMALE STEM EDUCATORS IN PUBLIC POLYTECHNICS, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the influence of motherhood and parenting responsibilities on the worklife balance of female STEM educators in public Polytechnics in Ogun State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, and the study population comprised all female STEM educators across the six public Polytechnics in the State. Two hypotheses guided the study, and a structured questionnaire was administered to 300 female STEM educators. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, while the hypotheses were tested at 5% significance level using linear regression approach. The findings revealed that mothers perform substantial roles and face significant demands in balancing their professional and family responsibilities. Results further indicated that motherhood has a significant effect on work-life balance (T-value = 3.510; p < 0.001), and parenting also significantly influences work-life balance (T-value = 2.675; p <0.0001) among female STEM educators in public polytechnics in Ogun State. The study concludes that while motherhood and parenting can exert positive influences on women's work-life balance, the overall outcome largely depends on how effectively mothers manage the demands of both home and work. Consequently, the study recommends that educational institutions formulate and adopt flexible policies and work arrangements that accommodate the dynamic family responsibilities of female employees. Such measures may include flexible working hours, opportunities for remote work, and the avoidance of late-day meetings.