Shaping A Better Future:

A Woman's Handbook to Mental Health Equity

"On ne naît pas femme:

on le deviant"
- Simone de Beauvoir

One is not born a woman,

but one becomes.

This powerful phrase speaks to the

idea that gender is not fixed or
inherent, but rather a social
construct created and reinforced

by society.



While this concept may seem

daunting at first, it can actually be
incredibly empowering, as this

means that we have the power

to redefine what it means to

be a woman as a collective.
Women are incredibly resilient.

We must always keep in mind that society as a system,

inherently works against women.

bell hooks, a prominent African-American postmodern

feminist says that for true equity, we must recognise

that sexism, racism, homophobia, and all forms of

oppression that overlap to create women’s daily

experiences of economic insecurity, gender-based

violence, and professional inequity.

How do these intersections affect a

woman's mental health?

Throughout their lives, women face a wide range of

challenges that can cause significant stress and take a

toll on their mental health. From navigating menstrual

cycles to childbirth and taking on household

responsibilities, women often bear the brunt of

antiquated gender roles and expectations.

Unfortunately, gender-based violence remains a

per vasive issue in many parts of the world,

particularly in countries like India. This can lead to

long-term consequences, including ongoing distress,

depression, PTSD, and an increased risk of suicide.

A Woman’s World

Homemakers

Homemakers may face challenges related to their role as

primary caregivers and the lack of recognition and
support for their contributions to the household. They may
also experience financial stress and co-dependency, which
can impact their sense of self-worth and lead to mental
health concerns such as anxiety and depression.

Trans Women

Trans women face unique challenges in terms of mental

health due to discrimination, stigma, and violence. They
may experience gender dysphoria, a condition where a
person experiences discomfort or distress due to a
mismatch between their gender identity and their assigned
gender at birth. Trans women may also face discrimination
and stigma in society, which can lead to feelings of
isolation, shame, and low self-esteem. They may feel social
isolation due to rejection by family members, friends, and
the larger community.
Teenagers

The teenage years are challenging; teens grapple with

changing bodies and strive to find their identity in the
world. Teens are also more susceptible to mental health
concerns such as body-image issues, eating disorders,
depression, and anxiety.
Women with Disabilities

Not all disabilities are visible. Women with disabilities

have to deal with stigma, discrimination, and isolation.

Often, they face forced institutionalisation, unequal

access to resources, neglect, medical trauma, and

physical and sexual abuse. These experiences put them

at an increased risk for mental health concerns,

especially stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Societal pressure to

conform to non-disabled beauty standards may

contribute to body-image issues.

Mothers

Motherhood comes with a lot of stress. Mothers have

very little time for themselves as they shoulder every
need of a household. This can lead to feelings of
isolation, anxiety, depression, and burnout. Another
serious concern for those who give birth is postpartum
depression (PPD), a type of depression can occur after
giving birth, which can last up to 3 years if left untreated.

Working Women

Working outside the home does not relieve women of

their domestic duties. For women from lower
socioeconomic backgrounds, being employed can be
exploitative as opportunities available to them are much
lower in pay. Women must balance having a productive
career and fulfilling their duties as daughters, mothers,
and/or wives, leading to increased risks for mental
health concerns such as stress, anxiety, burnout and
depression.
Equity

Women's needs are distinct because of the social

intersection of class and caste, biological differences,

and psychological differences. On the path to gender

equality, we need to acknowledge gender equity.

In order to create gender equity, we need to change the

narrative from fixing women to fixing the system.

What is mental health equity?

Mental health equity is about allowing everyone a fair

and just opportunity to achieve emotional well-being,
regardless of their background or circumstances. It is
not just about providing resources, but first, recognising
that everyone has different needs and access to
resources, across various sections of the society.

We need to begin by acknowledging that in India,

psychological treatment is coloured with gender bias.

It's critical to understand the ways in which one's gender

can influence their day-to-day life; as women's
experiences are often shaped by systemic inequalities
and gender-based expectations.

Not just women, but society as a whole would

benefit from an equitable mental health
approach.
What happens when women don't have gender equity
at work?

Women may feel undervalued, overlooked,

and unsupported, which can lead to lower
morale, motivation, and job satisfaction.

Opportunities for career advancement may be

limited, preventing women from reaching
their full potential.

Unequal pay and benefits can make it harder

for women to support themselves and their
families, creating financial insecurity and
hardship.

Other genders may also be affected by

gender inequality, as it can create an
environment of competition and hostility
instead of collaboration and teamwork.

Companies may risk missing out on diverse

perspectives and ideas, which can limit
innovation and hinder success.
How does gender inequity affect women's mental
health in the workplace?

When women experience gender-based discrimination,

harassment, or any other forms of mistreatment, it
leads to an erosion of confidence, decreased self-
esteem, stress, anxiety, trauma and depression.



Unfortunately, trans women in particular can face
discrimination based on their gender identity, from
hiring discrimination to harassment and lack of legal
protection. 



Gender inequity can also have a ripple effect on other

aspects of women's lives. If women are not being
treated fairly at work, it can make it harder for them to
balance work and family responsibilities, leading to even
more stress, fatigue and overwhelm.



When women feel valued, respected, and supported at

work, they're more likely to feel empowered and
motivated to succeed.

Remember, when one of us succeeds,

we all succeed.
How do you create a workplace that's fair, supportive,
and inclusive for all employees, regardless of gender?

1 Foster an inclusive culture

Make sure that everyone in the workplace feels

respected and valued. Encourage open communication,
respect for diversity, and a sense of belonging.

2 Provide resources for awareness

Provide training to all employees on topics such as

unconscious bias, diversity, and inclusion. This can help
raise awareness and reduce discriminatory behaviours
or attitudes.

Address gender-based discrimination and

3 harassment

Have policies in place to address and prevent

discrimination, harassment, and other forms of
mistreatment in the workplace. Ensure that everyone is
aware of these policies and knows how to report any
issues that arise.
4 Offer flexible work arrangements

Provide flexible work arrangements, such as

telecommuting or flexible schedules, to help employees
balance work and family.

5 Provide mental health resources

Offer mental health resources, such as employee

wellness programmes with access to therapy, to help
employees manage stress and other mental health
concerns.
Tips for women to improve their overall
mental health

1 Make self-care a daily practice

Taking care of yourself means going beyond physical

care and nurturing your mind. Here's an activity you can
try: Look at yourself in the mirror and say out loud,

"I honour my own needs and take care of myself with

kindness."

2 Manage stress

Dealing with stress involves identifying potential

stressors and preparing to deal with them. You can
visualise the stressful situation and come up with three
coping strategies that work best for you. This can better
equip you to manage stress or anxiety.

3 Prioritise work-life balance

Some ways to achieve work-life balance include setting

boundaries and communicating them to your manager
and colleagues. This can help you make time for family,
hobbies, and other personal interests.
 Here’s a little something from Amaha, for you.

Take out these stickers, and use them as reminders for yourself.
Amaha Mental Health Centres

Bengaluru Mumbai New Delhi

+91 99200 97669 +91 20711 71501

support@amahahealth.com

www.amahahealth.com

If you are struggling with mental health

concerns, connect with a therapist by
downloading the Amaha app.