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USU Provides Inclusive Maternal Care Facilities Supporting Student Mothers’ Access to Education

Published At

10 September 2024

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“Maternal inclusion is an integral part of gender equality,” stated Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara. “By offering maternity care and inclusive health infrastructure, USU ensures that every woman has the opportunity to pursue education and career aspirations with dignity and balance.”

Medan, 10 September 2024 Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is actively advancing its commitment to institutional inclusivity and women’s wellbeing through the provision of dedicated campus-wide maternity and healthcare facilities. These services are strategically implemented to support women in effectively balancing family responsibilities with their demanding academic and professional lives.

USU maintains a clear focus on providing accessible and inclusive infrastructure for all community members, including pregnant and postpartum students and staff.

Accessible Infrastructure for Women’s Health and Comfort

USU’s campus infrastructure incorporates accessible health clinics, specialized maternity care points, and integrated health services linked directly to USU Teaching Hospital . These comprehensive facilities ensure that women have access to essential medical and wellness support, covering prenatal, maternal, and postnatal care, allowing them to confidently continue their academic or professional activities.

The provision of these comfort facilities and maternal care spaces is consistent with the university’s broader goals for accessibility and inclusivity, demonstrating a firm commitment to integrating health and wellbeing into its institutional environment.

“USU is committed to ensuring that every woman whether student, faculty, or staff can thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment,” stated Rahma Yurliani, S.Psi., M.Psi., Director of the Directorate of Student and Alumni Affairs. “Our maternity and health facilities reflect our dedication to holistic wellbeing and educational accessibility.”

Empowering Student Mothers and Participation

The availability of reliable on-campus maternity facilities is instrumental in empowering student mothers to participate fully in university life. They can attend lectures, and engage in critical research or community activities without facing exclusion or systemic barriers due to their parenting status. These provisions ensure that motherhood is not a hurdle to education, solidifying USU's standing as a gender-responsive and inclusive higher education institution.

To further enhance this support system, USU is actively exploring the potential to expand these provisions into more structured childcare units and dedicated parenting support spaces, providing more comprehensive assistance for student parents balancing family and academic responsibilities.

“Maternal inclusion is an integral, non-negotiable part of gender equality,” affirmed Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara. “By offering maternity care and inclusive health infrastructure, USU ensures that every woman has the full opportunity to pursue her education and career aspirations with dignity and balance.”

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals

Through the strategic provision of its maternity and healthcare facilities, USU makes a direct contribution toward the achievement of global targets, specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

The continuous enhancement of gender-responsive campus infrastructure is guided by internal policies, including Rector’s Regulation No. 3 of 2019 on the Green and Sustainable Campus and Rector’s Circular Letter No. 1 of 2023 on Inclusion and Sustainability.

By prioritizing maternal health and inclusivity, USU strengthens its vital role as a national leader in fostering equitable, supportive, and family-friendly higher education environments.