By Shruti Menon Seeboo
In a society where the pursuit of gender equality remains a pressing concern, the intersection of gender disparities and mental health is often overlooked. Manupriya Appadu, a Clinical Psychologist at LetsBe, sheds light on the profound impact of gender inequality on women’s mental well-being, emphasising the urgent need for swift and decisive action.
“The theme of swift and decisive action for gender equality deeply resonates with women’s mental health, as gender disparities often contribute to anxiety, depression, and trauma,” Manupriya states. She highlights the myriad of challenges women face, from workplace discrimination and domestic violence to insidious societal pressures that erode self-worth. In her practice, she has witnessed the devastating consequences of these disparities. “Many women face workplace discrimination, domestic violence, or societal pressures that erode self-worth. In my practice, I’ve seen women struggling with imposter syndrome due to gender biases at work eventually suffering from PTSD after enduring gender-based violence.”
The manifestation of gender-based mental health disparities is multifaceted, often leading to a complex array of emotional and psychological struggles. “In my practice as a clinical psychologist in Mauritius, I’ve seen how gender-based disparities impact women’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, anger, and lack of motivation,” Manupriya explains. She shares the story of a working mother who endured emotional abuse, revealing the crippling effects of such experiences. “One client, a working mother facing emotional abuse, struggled with severe anxiety, low self-esteem, and frequent frustration. She felt trapped, exhausted, and unmotivated.”
The path to recovery, as Manupriya describes, involves a focus on empowerment. “Therapy focused on empowerment—validating her emotions, rebuilding self-worth, and developing coping strategies. With support, she learned to manage anger, set boundaries, and regain motivation.” This journey underscores the critical need for gender-sensitive mental health care that addresses both the emotional and structural challenges affecting women’s well-being. This aligns with research that shows that gender-based violence has a direct correlation to mental health issues and requires specialised care.
Mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression are often amplified by gender inequality. Manupriya recounts the experience of a highly qualified accountant who was passed over for a promotion in favour of a less experienced male colleague. “My client, a highly qualified accountant, was devastated when her company promoted a less experienced male colleague over her. The rejection fuelled self-doubt, anxiety, and depression.” This experience is not isolated, as studies have shown that women are frequently underrepresented in leadership roles across various industries.
Swift intervention proved crucial in the accountant’s recovery. “In therapy, she unpacked the deep-seated frustration of gender bias and its toll on her mental health. Swift intervention, including cognitive restructuring and assertiveness training, helped her regain confidence.” Manupriya stresses that recognising one’s worth is transformative. “Recognising her worth transformed her outlook, proving that timely psychological support and action against gender inequality are crucial for mental well-being and professional growth.” This mirrors findings that cognitive behavioural therapy and assertiveness training are very effective in cases of workplace discrimination.
Creating a supportive environment for women’s mental health requires immediate and concerted efforts. “To support women’s mental health in Mauritius, immediate actions include increasing access to affordable mental health services, integrating gender-sensitive training for professionals, and fostering safe spaces for open discussions,” Manupriya suggests. She also emphasises the importance of community outreach, workplace policies against discrimination, and support networks.
Drawing inspiration from successful initiatives, Manupriya highlights the Atmiyata Project in India. “In India, the Atmiyata Project, a grassroots initiative trained local women as mental health advocates, significantly reducing stigma and improving access to care.” This project serves as a model for how community-based interventions can empower women and strengthen mental well-being. “Similar approaches in Mauritius could empower women, strengthen mental well-being, and challenge gender inequality at its core.”
Furthermore, Manupriya illustrates the power of women supporting each other within their own communities. “In a small community, a group therapy session was organised for housewives struggling with low self-esteem and financial dependence. The session focused on empowerment, skill-building, and mental well-being.” This example showcases the transformative impact of collective support. “A local entrepreneur shared her journey from being a full-time homemaker to running a successful home-based business. Women engaged in discussions about their strengths, explored opportunities for small enterprises, and learned stress management techniques. By the end, participants felt motivated to take small steps toward independence, whether through online courses, part-time work, or local cooperatives. The session fostered confidence, solidarity, and hope for a more self-reliant future.”
The struggle for gender equality is not merely a social or political issue; it is a mental health imperative. By acknowledging the profound impact of gender disparities on women’s mental well-being and taking swift, decisive action, we can create a more equitable and supportive society for all.
