Introduction – Empowering African women
The concept of Mental Health encapsulates a variety of different issues and factors for individuals. Yet, a helpful definition revolves around the state of an individual’s well-being and their personal ability to cope with everyday stresses of life, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, a present issue within mental health is the ignorance and widespread stigma of mental health issues in minority cultures, due to traditions and cultural beliefs. Thus, it is vitally important to increase awareness of understanding of these issues within minority cultures, to lessen stigma, heighten awareness, and empower African women to face their mental health.
The treatment and experiences of African women are largely unique to other groups and their male counterparts, due to the multitude of biases they are subjected to. Firstly, African women are more likely to experience chronic illnesses and bias within healthcare organisations, resulting in poorer treatment for serious issues. Also, African women remain at the lowest rung of the social hierarchy they live, with poor access to land, credit, health and education and many countries denying women these basic rights (Mutume, 2005). Additionally, UNICEF data highlighted that 32% of young women in Eastern and Southern Africa were married before the age of 18, highlighting the enforced societal expectations on young women and their supposed roles within society.
Presently, there is evidence suggesting a significant increase in the rates of suicide for black women and girls, thus further highlighting the importance of these issues among African women. Also, there has been clear research suggesting that the ignoring of the lived experiences of black women overlooks and ignores the depth of the issues and oppression African women face and how deeply this can affect them (Hooks, 2000). Interestingly, this relates closely to the present focus on Intersectionality, a concept coined by Kimberle Crenshaw who argues that experiences all differ due to factors like sex, race, and sexual orientation cannot be ignored when considering individual experiences (Crenshaw, 1989). Hence, understanding the unique issues faced by African women and empowering them and their mental health must be understood via an intersectional lens.
Therefore, the importance of the experiences of African women must not be overlooked and simplified, due to complexities rooted within their experiences, which will be closely explored within this piece.
The Impact of Gender-based Violence (GBV)
A significantly prevalent issue for African women is gender-based violence, which can be physical, sexual, and emotional abuse directed at an individual due to their gender, specifically women (European Commission). Within African cultures, the frequency of GBV is concerningly high, with 45% of women experiencing physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime in sub-Saharan Africa (Gitnux, 2023). Despite being already alarmingly high, this statistic is only reports of GBV, yet many instances remain unreported, further highlighting the necessity of awareness of this issue. The literature on the subject highlights the distressing consequences of GBV on women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health. Among these, mental health is significantly affected, silently battling the internal scars of abuse. The devastating effects of GBV extend far beyond the immediate aftermath of violence, with mental well-being deeply impacted long after the visible bruises have healed.
Furthermore, the long-term ramifications of gender-based violence may be worsened mental health and potential cases of depression. It was found that, among Ethiopian female students, those who experienced physical and sexual abuse were 4 times more likely to report moderately severe or severe depressive symptoms than their non-abused counterparts. Evidently, the impact of GBV on African women indicates the internal effects of abuse that hide beneath the surface and can eventually manifest into severe cases of depression. In order to lessen the stigma around mental health issues, it is important to target the root causes of depression and related issues, such as GBV.
Raising awareness about the link between GBV and mental health is essential in dismantling the stigma surrounding these issues. To foster a supportive environment, it is crucial to encourage open discussions about the challenges faced by African women and the impact of GBV on their mental well-being. By breaking the silence and shattering stereotypes, we can empower survivors to seek help and support without fear of judgment.
We cannot ignore the silent struggles faced by African women who endure the harrowing reality of gender-based violence. The impact of GBV goes far beyond physical harm, deeply affecting their mental health and well-being. To make a meaningful change, we must collectively address the root causes of GBV and invest in resources to support survivors’ mental health. By creating a safe space for open dialogue and breaking the chains of stigma, we can pave the way towards healing and empowerment for African women. Together, let’s work towards a future where no woman has to suffer in silence, and where mental well-being is prioritized and protected.
Maternal Mental Health
Similarly, another somewhat unique issue faced by African women is the issue of maternal mental health, which links directly to the cultural imbalance of female healthcare. The issue revolves around the fact that there is no regular screening or treatment for potential maternal mental health disorders in South Africa (Honikman et al, 2012). Therefore, the possible risks posed by pregnancy and consequent roles as a mother, such as postpartum depression are completely overlooked, despite these issues being reportedly prevalent in many areas.
It has been concluded via several studies conducted in South Africa that, rates of depressed mood in pregnant women and new mothers are increasingly frequent. Also, a study in Cape Town found that 39% of pregnant women who were screened displayed positive readings on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for depressed moods (Hartley et al, 2011). These statistics highlight the widespread issue of depression amongst pregnant women and new mothers in many African communities, as well as emphasise the lack of necessary treatment these women are exposed to, despite being twice as likely to experience mental health issues during or after pregnancy.
The prevalence of maternal mental health issues within this specific population of women may be attributable to a variety of issues. Yet, the present issue remains around the lack of awareness and understanding of the potential severity of these issues if left untreated. Thus, it is integral to increase awareness and access to treatment for these women for the safety of all mothers and children involved.
Currently, it is important to remember that awareness and action are essential in effecting change. By advocating for regular screening and treatment, we can provide the support these women desperately need during and after pregnancy. Together, let’s break the silence surrounding maternal mental health, ensuring that no woman suffers in silence and all mothers receive the care and compassion they rightfully deserve. With awareness and solidarity, we can create a society that empowers and uplifts African women, cultivating a brighter future for generations to come.
Impact of enforced traditional gender roles
It is clear that the roles of men and women within minority cultures vary significantly. This is evident within African cultures, as seen via certain expectations enforced onto women within their communities. These enforced roles and expectations may present a considerable burden to African women that restricts them and affects their positive mental well-being.
Firstly, there is the issue of fundamentally limited access to education, employment and leadership positions for African women. This can result in subsequent feelings of inequity and unfulfilled potential, resulting in low self-esteem, depression and anxiety to name a few. This unfair treatment of women in comparison to their male counterparts can also result in women feeling a lack of confidence despite being equally as skilled for the positions or equally eager to learn.
Correspondingly, role conflict and stress for African women can affect their mental health. Due to the favouring of men in leadership and employment positions, the default expected role of the woman is to be the caregiver, whilst the man is regarded as the provider. The expectation of a caregiver is associated with additional burdens for African women who may feel overwhelmed and burnt out whilst trying to juggle professional aspirations in a corporate world that favours men, as well as the societal pressure to make their house a home.
Similarly, the additional pressures African women may face may be directly associated with reproductive health pressures enforced on African women. A very recent study investigated the pressures placed on African women to bear children and generally have large families. It was revealed that even within modern society, these expectations negatively affect African women’s mental health, especially if they desire different paths regarding family life or have fertility issues (Temitope, 2022). In addition, social stigma also leads to marital problems which can cause significant psychological distress. Thus, even in current times, these enforced gender roles pushed onto African women still negatively and severely affect their mental health, which is oppressive and a heavy burden for women to be expected to carry.
Also, these enforced gender roles are linked to a depth of stigmatisation and discrimination aimed at African women for straying from their designated roles, which may result in deeper self-esteem issues, isolation and a perceived negative self-image, leading to depression. Specifically, African women have been known to face discrimination via negative stereotypes such as the commonly presented image of the ‘angry black woman’. Such stereotypes include the myth of the angry Black woman that characterizes these women as aggressive, overbearing, and hostile. Whilst this stereotype presented via mainstream media may seem harmless and diluted in its overuse, the ramifications of its use can be detrimental to its targets. It has been found that the internalisation of this myth by African women can significantly affect their mental health (Ashley, 2013). Therefore, the perpetuation of these gender roles and images can damage the mental well-being of women who internalise them, highlighting the necessity to prevent the use of them within the media.
As we conclude our exploration into the mental health challenges faced by African women, let’s remember that change begins with awareness and empathy. By challenging enforced gender roles, encouraging inclusivity, and breaking stereotypes, we can create a society that uplifts and supports the mental well-being of African women. It’s time to break the chains of stigma, discrimination, and unrealistic expectations, paving the way for a brighter and healthier future for all women across the continent. Together, we can build a community where mental health is valued, and every woman is empowered to embrace her full potential. Let’s stand in solidarity and work towards a more compassionate and inclusive world for African women.
What can we do next?
The question remains: “What can we do to help?’ whilst this is not a question with a singular, universal answer, there is much to be done to increase awareness and understanding of the experiences of African women and the depths this can encompass. The main way this can be achieved is by increasing the resources available to African women and tailoring ones that are to be catered to women facing these issues in their everyday lives. Also, the continued reporting on these issues as they happen allows important conversations to be started and spread across different groups, to hopefully feel more inclined and eager to help challenge stigmatised mental health issues faced by African women.
Presently, there is a perinatal mental health project for African mothers, which is a good start, but further work is necessary to make this mainstream and easier to access. This model utilises routine screening and referral for the feasibility and accessibility of mental health care for pregnant women of African descent. Hopefully, this will empower women of African lineage when it comes to maternal issues and eventually decrease fear and shame around asking for help.
In the realm of mental health and well-being, there’s a remarkable initiative called Black Mental Wellness, founded by four black female clinical psychologists. Their mission revolves around combating the stigma that surrounds mental health within the black community. This compassionate charity strives to achieve this by providing evidence-based resources and offering a supportive platform where individuals can seek help and understanding without fear or judgment.
From my perspective, increasing greater understanding and awareness of the diverse cultural aspects experienced by African women is paramount. By recognizing and acknowledging these unique issues, we can pave the way for tailor-made resources that empower women to seek help and support. Often, societal pressures and personal fears can deter individuals from addressing their mental and emotional struggles. However, through culturally sensitive interventions and comprehensive resources, women can feel more empowered to break the barriers of silence and seek the assistance they need for their well-being.
