International Science Community Association International Research Journal of Social Sciences 2319 - 3565 2 4 2013 April 14 Combining Academic Career and Motherhood: Experiences and Challenges of Women in Academia 12 15 EN Tuta M. 1 Faculty of Marketing, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, ROMANIA Zara I.A. 2 Bandela Anil Prasad 1 School of Studies in Social Work, Bastar University, Jagdalpur, CG, INDIA Moamenla Amer 1 Department of Political Science, Nagaland University – Lumami, Nagaland, INDIA > Research Paper 2013 3 27 2013 April 14 This paper is concerned with how women in academia with children combine and balance the needs of professional responsibilities and family life. The paper explores the barriers that they encounter and how they respond to them, and what personal and professional supports enable or disallow them to reach their fullest potential in both roles. This study draws on primary data gathered through methods of questionnaire and interview. The findings point that women in academia face unique challenges, which require further investigation so as to create an academic environment which is supportive of women trying to balance a career and motherhood. Copyright@ International Science Community Association