Britney Marcella, a youth psychologist at MIDRIFT HURINET, opines that,
“Gender inequality exacerbates mental health challenges in numerous ways.
Women in male-dominated workplaces often experience discrimination, harassment, or unequal pay, leading to chronic stress and anxiety.
Men, on the other hand, may struggle with emotional suppression due to societal expectations of being “strong,” increasing their risk of depression.
Gender-based violence, a byproduct of inequality, leaves survivors, primarily women, with lasting trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
Men who report abuse may face ridicule or disbelief, leading to feelings of shame and isolation. Societal norms often dismiss women’s mental health struggles as “emotional” and discourage men from seeking help, resulting in untreated mental health issues and higher suicide rates among men.
Economic disparities further compound these challenges, as women facing lower wages and financial dependence may experience anxiety and depression. While men pressured to be sole providers may suffer from burnout and stress.”
She further says,
“To tackle the mental health impacts of gender inequality, a multifaceted approach is essential. Parenting and early socialization play a critical role; children raised in environments that challenge traditional gender norms are less likely to internalize harmful stereotypes.
Workplaces must address unequal pay, discrimination, and harassment while promoting policies that support work-life balance for all genders.
Cultural and societal norms need to shift to reduce the stigma around men’s mental health and recognize women’s struggles as valid.
Gender-sensitive mental health services, including affordable and accessible therapy, are crucial to addressing the unique needs of individuals.
Education and awareness programs can help dismantle stereotypes from a young age, while media representation can promote positive, diverse gender roles.
By addressing these systemic issues, we can urgently create a society where gender equality fosters fairness and mental well-being for all. This is not a distant goal but a pressing need that requires immediate attention and action.”
The International Women’s Day 2025 theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” resonates deeply with the issue of women’s mental health.
The day serves as a reminder that true equality cannot exist without recognizing and prioritizing the mental well-being of women. Mental health challenges, often amplified by gender-based violence, societal pressures, and economic inequities, have long been invisible shackles holding women back.
These concerns are not just individual struggles but systemic barriers that impede women’s ability to engage in their personal and professional lives.
From the silent exhaustion of balancing caregiving responsibilities with professional demands to the scars left by trauma and abuse, women’s mental health is deeply intertwined with the fight for gender equality. This interconnectedness is a crucial aspect that we must understand and address to create a more equitable society.
This year’s observance calls for action: integrating mental health care into broader discussions of empowerment, creating safe spaces for women to share their struggles, and challenging stigmas that label vulnerability as weakness. By addressing mental health alongside economic and social equity, the day emphasizes that empowering women starts from within. This integration is not just a step but a leap towards a genuinely equal and thriving society.
The weight of psychosocial stressors bears heavily on women’s mental health, often manifesting as invisible burdens carried in silence.
From the relentless pressure to balance professional aspirations with caregiving responsibilities to the scars of gender-based violence and societal discrimination, these stressors create a web of challenges that undermine emotional well-being.
Economic insecurity, unequal opportunities, and cultural expectations amplify feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and isolation, while systemic barriers to mental health care leave many without the support they desperately need.
The result is a cycle where stress compounds, eroding resilience and overshadowing the potential for growth and fulfillment.
Addressing these stressors is not just about easing mental strain; it’s about unlocking women’s strengths and capabilities.
In underserved areas, the lack of access to mental health care casts a long shadow over women’s well-being, transforming what could be manageable struggles into overwhelming battles.
Without affordable and accessible mental health services, women face the isolating burden of untreated conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
The stigma surrounding mental health in these communities often exacerbates the issue, discouraging women from seeking help even when they recognize their needs. Geographic and financial barriers further widen the gap, leaving many to navigate the labyrinth of emotional pain without professional guidance or support.
The absence of care affects individual women and ripples through families and communities, stalling potential and perpetuating cycles of hardship.
Bridging this gap with accessible, culturally sensitive care is essential to restoring hope, resilience, and the ability to thrive.
Stigma and stereotyping form invisible chains that imprison women’s mental health, silencing cries for help and amplifying feelings of shame and isolation.
In many societies, women who express vulnerability are branded as “weak” or “hysterical,” dismissing their legitimate struggles as overreactions or character flaws.
These stereotypes discourage open dialogue, forcing women to internalize their pain and navigate their challenges in solitude.
The stigma extends further, labeling those who seek help as “unstable” or “unfit,” leading to social exclusion and, in some cases, jeopardizing professional and personal opportunities.
Over time, this cycle of judgment and suppression deepens emotional wounds, eroding self-worth and resilience.
Breaking these chains requires not just awareness but a cultural shift, one that embraces empathy, challenges stereotypes, and normalizes mental health care as a vital aspect of well-being.
By: Jacob Karani
