Coletivo de mães estudantes como possibilidade de (r)ex(s)istir na educação superior: um estudo investigativo e propositivo na Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS), Campus Erechim

Abstract

In several regions of Brazil, the formation of University Student Mothers' Collectives has been observed. These collectives aim to highlight motherhood as a valid field of study and debate, as well as to provide support, assistance, and advocate for improved conditions in academic careers and university retention. This study seeks to investigate the necessary mechanisms for mothers at the Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS), Erechim campus, to establish a University Student Mothers' Collective, thereby enabling their continued presence in this context/space. The methodological approach consisted of three stages: literature review drawing on authors such as Zago (2021), Corrêa (2021), Mezzalira (2021), Urpia and Sampaio (2009, 2011), Soares (2020), among others; State of Knowledge research in the Maternal Library of the Virtual Research Center on Gender and Motherhood - Maternal Center; and finally, a Field Study involving 12 student mothers and/or graduates from Undergraduate, Specialization, and Master's programs at UFFS, Erechim campus. The aim was to analyze the importance and necessity of a University Student Mothers' Collective at this University, as well as to assess the mechanisms required for its creation from the participants' perspectives. The State of Knowledge research revealed that, although the studies also discussed issues related to motherhood and Higher Education and presented elements closely related to this study, only one specifically addressed University Student Mothers' Collectives, highlighting the relevance and significance of this research. In the Field Study, the participants indicated that, although some progress has been made for mothers at UFFS, Erechim campus, such as childcare assistance, high chairs in the University Restaurant (RU), and the Maternal-Child Support Room, these measures remain insufficient. Therefore, they emphasized the need to maintain and expand some of the already established spaces and rights, such as increasing the size and service hours of the Maternal-Child Support Room, providing a space with toys, and ensuring support from interns (from the Support Room) at the RU at UFFS, Erechim campus, among other demands. The participants also recognized the importance of a Mothers' Collective at UFFS, Erechim campus, and identified several necessary steps for its formation, including the formal recognition of the Acolhe Mães WhatsApp Group as a Collective; direct advocacy by this group of mothers towards the University; raising awareness within the academic community; collecting data on mothers on campus; establishing the Collective with representation from student mothers, professors, and staff; grounding the Collective in an extension project; incorporating the "ciranda" as an alternative support mechanism for the Collective; and structuring the Collective's actions around three main pillars: mutual support, unification of proposals, and dissemination of knowledge. In light of the above, it is clear that student mothers face numerous challenges in balancing the demands of motherhood with those of university life. Therefore, the establishment of a Collective at UFFS, Erechim campus, could be a significant step in advocating for public policies that promote the access and retention of this group within the University.