In the heart of Kabul, lies a mental health facility known as Qala—the fortress—with over 100 women seeking refuge but few options to escape their circumstances. This women's wing, run by the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), is one of the only establishments focusing on mental health for females in Afghanistan, highlighting the dire need for such services amidst a crisis.
Mariam, a resident of Qala, has been at the center for nearly a decade after suffering abuse at the hands of her family. Despite her resilient spirit, her future remains uncertain as she lacks a place to go—her family's disapproval and cultural norms prevent her from reclaiming her life. Many women here echo her plight; Habiba, a 28-year-old who was displaced by her husband, also longs for independence yet faces the challenges imposed by patriarchal society and economic instability.
The problems extend beyond personal trauma; the Taliban's strict regulations create barriers to women's autonomy, including travel and access to services. The psychological toll of these conditions is evident, with reports indicating that up to 68% of women in Afghanistan are experiencing poor mental health, exacerbated by the ongoing issues of gender inequality. Additionally, limited resources within the country’s healthcare system only serve to intensify the crisis.
Psychiatric professionals like Dr. Abdul Wali Utmanzai note a surge in demand at hospitals, where women constitute the majority of patients. With an increasing backlog to access services, even families seeking admission for their daughters, like Zainab, face rejections, leading to further problems. Zainab's case illustrates the dangerous lengths some families will resort to in an attempt to control their daughters, often leaving them in dire circumstances and exacerbating their mental health challenges.
As Mariam, Habiba, and Zainab navigate their uncertain futures within the existing mental health framework, their stories emphasize the urgent need for reforms and support systems to assist Afghan women in reclaiming their lives.
Mariam, a resident of Qala, has been at the center for nearly a decade after suffering abuse at the hands of her family. Despite her resilient spirit, her future remains uncertain as she lacks a place to go—her family's disapproval and cultural norms prevent her from reclaiming her life. Many women here echo her plight; Habiba, a 28-year-old who was displaced by her husband, also longs for independence yet faces the challenges imposed by patriarchal society and economic instability.
The problems extend beyond personal trauma; the Taliban's strict regulations create barriers to women's autonomy, including travel and access to services. The psychological toll of these conditions is evident, with reports indicating that up to 68% of women in Afghanistan are experiencing poor mental health, exacerbated by the ongoing issues of gender inequality. Additionally, limited resources within the country’s healthcare system only serve to intensify the crisis.
Psychiatric professionals like Dr. Abdul Wali Utmanzai note a surge in demand at hospitals, where women constitute the majority of patients. With an increasing backlog to access services, even families seeking admission for their daughters, like Zainab, face rejections, leading to further problems. Zainab's case illustrates the dangerous lengths some families will resort to in an attempt to control their daughters, often leaving them in dire circumstances and exacerbating their mental health challenges.
As Mariam, Habiba, and Zainab navigate their uncertain futures within the existing mental health framework, their stories emphasize the urgent need for reforms and support systems to assist Afghan women in reclaiming their lives.
