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Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - As the world commemorates World Mental Health Day, the Women, Media and Change (WOMEC) is drawing attention to the plight of women and girls in emergency situations, who are disproportionately affected by mental health issues.
According to WOMEC, women are often the emotional pillars of homes and communities, yet they face enormous physical, economic, and psychological stress without adequate support. The organization is calling for increased access to mental health services, particularly in times of crisis.
WOMEC notes that emergencies such as economic hardship, floods, road accidents, epidemics, conflicts, and gender-based violence continue to threaten mental well-being in Ghana and across Africa. In times of crisis, mental health needs escalate, but access to services becomes even more limited.
Women are at a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and trauma, but very few receive professional help due to stigma, discrimination, and limited access to mental health services, especially in rural communities. Many women lack safe spaces to seek help, community-based mental health services, trauma counseling, financial ability to access private care, and protection from stigma and cultural silence.
WOMEC is calling on the government and development partners to take concrete steps to address the mental health needs of women and girls in emergency situations. Specifically, the organization is urging:
- Strengthening of CHPS compounds with mental health support, especially for women and girls
- Free trauma and psychosocial counseling for survivors of gender-based violence
- Support for maternal mental health by including mental health screening in antenatal and postnatal care
- Expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to cover all mental health services and medications.
WOMEC emphasizes that mental health care is a basic human right, mental wellness is not a privilege, and everyone has a role to play in promoting mental health. Traditional and faith leaders, employers, men, and families must support women seeking mental help and end harmful stereotypes that silence them. The media must also report responsibly to raise awareness and fight stigma.
As the world commemorates World Mental Health Day, WOMEC is calling on all stakeholders to prioritize mental health support, especially for women and girls in emergency situations. By working together, we can ensure that every woman, every family, and every community has access to mental health support, especially in times of crisis. When women heal, nations recover. When women thrive, Ghana rises.