Mental health and well-being are essential to gender equity, as emotional resilience, confidence, and a sense of safety directly influence the ability of AGYW and young people to participate, lead, and access opportunities.
Social pressures, stigma, exclusion, violence, and lived experiences of inequality often affect girls and young women in distinct ways, shaping their mental well-being and limiting their ability to thrive. Without intentional support, these challenges can affect confidence, participation, relationships, and long-term well-being.
Our mental health and psychosocial support work focuses on creating supportive and inclusive environments where AGYW and young people can access care, build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and openly engage in conversations around mental well-being. Through participatory and community-centered approaches including peer-led engagement, safe spaces, community dialogue, and Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC), we help reduce stigma, strengthen support systems, and promote psychosocial well-being as a critical part of overall development and equality.
Key Interventions
- Peer support groups and safe spaces for AGYW and young people
- Mental health awareness sessions in schools and communities
- Psychosocial support, emotional well-being, and resilience-building sessions
- Referrals and linkages to counseling, psychosocial, and mental health services
- Community dialogues addressing stigma, stress, gender pressures, and emotional well-being
- Peer-led outreach and awareness activities promoting positive coping and help-seeking behaviors
- Creative healing and expression activities including storytelling, art, and theatre-based engagement