Compiled by Nana Ama Bruce-Amanquah, AWDF
This October, AWDF launched its Mental Health Series in response to the findings of our 2020 NCDs report which found that close to 73 million women in Africa were affected by mental health conditions. The knowledge series features the stories of African women and brings their aspirations for an inclusive mental health agenda to the forefront.
Still Photography was one way that these stories were captured and we are excited to share with you some highlights from the collection. The photographs below were taken by Sylvia Nalubega for AWDF in Kayunga district, a rural community in the central region of Uganda and portray the stories of women living with HIV/AIDS. Accompanied by this 10-minute feature film, these photos call for increased investments in advocacy and direct support for community-based mental health support for women and girls in rural communities.
Women support groups advancing the rights to proper community based mental health care. We need to listen to the voices of women concerning mental health. They best can express their concerns.
Support groups provide safe spaces for counselling for women dealing with mental health in communities and a sense of belonging to the women in communities. Kikonda Women Group.
“At my former home, I was beaten and abused while having to take the drugs. I became homeless loitering in the village with people calling me a ‘mad’ woman.” Tepista Babenda sharing her journey to mental health.
Having a safe place to live makes me feel at peace.’ Teopista Babenda at her home.
“We sing, we dance and we share. Our support groups are safe spaces where we get to hear different testimonies and how our fellow women deal with mental health and in the process we are helped.” Kikonda Women Group
“Sometimes all we need are ears and hearts that listen to our story.” Lilian Piwunu
Women attending the mental health and ART clinic at Kiboga hospital, Uganda
“Many times, all we need is to be in a circle of friends to laugh and share our joys, tears and encourage each other.” Women of the Kyakabuga community drug distribution point support group.
“It is like stress and I have been in this condition for some time. Sometimes, the mental health issue become so bad that I leave home going to places unbeknownst to me.” Kedina Kedrace, Kyankwanzi.
“With counselling from village health workers, I feel strengthened. I feel better with a hope that I will be healthy. I will not die.” Kedina Kedrace in her house smiling.
“Being equipped with more knowledge and skills on mental health for women living with HIV will greatly improve my work as I reach out to more women in my community.” Margaret Nakayima, village health team member.
Woman receiving support and care from peer mother during a home visit.
Creating, strengthening, and guarding safe spaces in the community where women share and follow up on each other to ensure they are well is of paramount importance to fostering mental health among women.
Women need to know that they are not alone but are part of a movement advancing mental health rights and dignity all over the world. Their voices matter.
“We stand together in solidarity to advance the right to proper mental health care for women in rural communities especially those impacted by HIV.” Women of the Kyakabuga community drug distribution point support group.
Her smile means a hundred more smiles. Let’s uphold the dignity of women living with HIV even during mental health challenges.
Visit online repository, AfriRep for these photos and many others.
