Maternity during high school and the challenges for retention: the unique, territorial follow ups for young mother students in a public school

Abstract

This article was developed from a broader research project conducted by researchers from the Metuia Network - Social Occupational Therapy, titled “Active and Democratic Care: Theoretical and Practical Contributions for the Implementation of Policies Supporting the Return and Retention of Young People in School in the Post-Pandemic Context.” More specifically, this work was carried out at a public high school in the Northwest Zone of the Municipality of Santos (SP), resulting from a thesis that described and analyzed, from the perspective of social occupational therapy, two unique and territorial follow-ups of young mothers facing daily challenges to remain in school. Among the main findings, the desire to complete high school was highlighted, competing with the concrete demands of motherhood, which was experienced by both in a markedly solitary manner. The work addresses motherhood as a condition influenced by the challenges imposed by gender inequality and socio-economic disparities. These factors, on one hand, weaken and reduce the social support network, while on the other hand, they highlight the absence of social public policies capable of protecting young mothers and ensuring their right to remain in school. Finally, the article shares a journey built upon technical, ethical, and political commitment, aiming to contribute to new reflections on the creation of unique and territorial follow-ups that can support these young women in their singularities and in their present and future projects.