Equality Begins with Mental Health: Why Women’s Well-Being Matters in Advocacy

Equity is about fairness, ensuring that each person receives the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Unlike equality, which assumes everyone starts from the same place, equity recognizes the unique barriers women face—such as discrimination, unpaid caregiving roles, and workplace biases—and seeks to level the playing field.

Mental health is a key component of overall well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and engage with the world. Women’s mental health is often shaped by life experiences such as gender-based violence, societal expectations, economic inequality, and caregiving burdens. Without mental well-being, women may struggle to pursue opportunities, advocate for themselves, or fully participate in society.

Why Equity Begins with Mental Health

Mental health is the foundation of empowerment. A woman struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma may find it difficult to assert her rights, excel in her career, or advocate for change. When mental health is ignored, gender equity remains out of reach.

For true equity, women need access to mental health care, safe spaces to express themselves, and support systems that validate their experiences. By prioritizing mental well-being, women can develop resilience, confidence, and the ability to break free from cycles of oppression and limitation.

The Connection Between Mental Well-Being, Gender Equality, and Human Rights

Gender equality means that men and women have equal access to opportunities, rights, and resources. It goes beyond legal rights—it involves changing cultural norms and eliminating barriers that prevent women from thriving in leadership, education, and the workforce.

What Are Human Rights?

Human rights guarantee dignity, freedom, and protection for all people, regardless of gender. Mental health is a fundamental human right, yet in many societies, women’s mental well-being is overlooked. Without access to psychological care, safe work environments, and supportive communities, women’s rights are incomplete.

Why Women’s Well-Being Matters in Advocacy

Women have long been at the forefront of advocacy—fighting for justice, equality, and societal change. Throughout history, women leaders have risen to champion the rights of others despite facing immense personal and societal challenges.

● Malala Yousafzai, despite surviving an assassination attempt, has continued to advocate for girls' education globally, proving the power of resilience and mental strength. (Source: Malala Fund)

● Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, fought tirelessly for environmental and women's rights in Kenya, despite facing imprisonment and opposition. (Source: Green Belt Movement)

● Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement, has given voice to countless survivors of sexual violence, advocating for a world where women’s safety and well-being are prioritized. (Source: MeToo Movement)

● Rosa Parks, through her simple but courageous act of defiance, became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring generations of women to stand against injustice. (Source: The Rosa Parks Story)

● Monday Edigold, my mother, rose from working as a clerk to becoming the first woman Managing Director of Bank of Africa, demonstrating resilience, dedication, and the power of breaking barriers. (Source: Personal history, Bank of Africa)

However, the mental and emotional toll of advocacy can be overwhelming. Burnout, trauma, and systemic challenges make it harder for women to continue their advocacy efforts. Many women experience deep emotional exhaustion from fighting for rights that should be fundamental.

Prioritizing mental health strengthens women’s ability to lead, organize, and influence change. When women receive proper support, they can engage in advocacy without compromising their well-being.

How to Support Women’s Mental Health and Achieve Equity

Understanding the Link Between Mental Health and Equity

Women’s mental health is deeply connected to equity. When women have access to mental health support, they are more empowered to pursue opportunities, break barriers, and contribute meaningfully to society. However, many face systemic inequalities such as gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and limited access to healthcare—that directly impact their mental well-being.

Achieving equity means ensuring that all women, regardless of their background, have the resources and support needed to thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially.

Ways to Support Women’s Mental Health and Promote Equity

1. Advocate for Accessible Mental Health Services

Many women, especially in marginalized communities, struggle to access mental health care due to financial, cultural, or systemic barriers. Advocacy efforts should focus on: 

● Expanding affordable and culturally sensitive mental health services.

● Integrating mental health support into workplaces, schools, and community programs.

● Promoting awareness and reducing stigma around mental health in women.

Example: Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UN Women work to improve mental health policies and services worldwide. (Source: www.unwomen.org)

2. Address Workplace Inequalities and Mental Load

Women often face unequal pay, lack of leadership opportunities, and additional emotional labor at home and work. Supporting mental well-being means:

● Advocating for equal pay and leadership representation.

● Encouraging workplace policies like paid maternity leave, flexible hours, and mental health days.

● Educating men and workplaces on shared household responsibilities to reduce women’s mental burden.

Example: The International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights how closing the gender pay gap improves women’s mental and economic well-being. (Source: www.ilo.org)

3. Create Safe Spaces for Women to Heal and Connect

Support groups, mentorship programs, and trauma-informed care can help women recover from past challenges and build resilience. Encouraging community-based support includes:

● Peer-led mental health support groups.

● Safe shelters and crisis helplines for women facing abuse.

● Church, community, or professional counseling services.

Example: Organizations like Women for Women International provide programs for women recovering from trauma and conflict. (Source: www.womenforwomen.org)

4. Promote Trauma-Informed Education and Awareness

Understanding trauma and its effects on mental health can lead to better policies and support systems. Steps to improve this include:

● Educating women on recognizing trauma and seeking help.

● Training leaders, educators, and employers in trauma-informed approaches.

● Encouraging faith-based and holistic healing practices.

Example: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides mental health education and advocacy for women. (Source: www.nami.org)

5. Support Women’s Advocacy and Leadership

When women are in leadership, they can shape policies that benefit their mental health and well-being. Support efforts include:

● Encouraging women to take leadership roles in politics, business, and activism.

● Providing mentorship and networking opportunities.

● Funding women-led initiatives that focus on equity and mental health.

Example: Malala Yousafzai’s Malala Fund fights for girls' education, which directly impacts future leadership opportunities. (Source: www.malala.org)

6. Lean on Faith and Purpose

For many women, faith provides strength, hope, and a sense of purpose in challenging times. Spiritual well-being is an essential part of mental health, helping women navigate difficulties with resilience and peace.

Ways to support women in leaning on faith and purpose include:

● Encouraging faith-based counselling and mentorship.

● Providing spiritual resources that promote healing, such as prayer groups, devotionals, and scripture-based support.

● Helping women discover their God-given purpose, which fosters confidence and direction in life.

Example: Organizations like Free Mind Hive (FMH) integrate faith with trauma-informed mental health support, empowering women to heal and thrive.

When women anchor themselves in faith and understand their divine purpose, they gain the inner strength to overcome obstacles and step into their full potential.

A Collective Responsibility

Supporting women’s mental health and achieving equity requires a collective effort. By advocating for better mental health resources, addressing workplace inequalities, creating safe spaces, educating communities, and supporting women’s leadership, we can help build a more just and empowering world for all women.

If we invest in women’s mental well-being today, we pave the way for stronger families, healthier communities, and a more equitable society tomorrow.

How will you contribute to this movement?

True gender equality and human rights cannot be achieved without prioritizing mental health. When women are mentally well, they can rise as leaders, caregivers, professionals, and advocates. By investing in women’s mental well-being, we are investing in a more just and empowered world for all.