Women are the backbone of families and, by extension, communities. When a woman is mentally and emotionally strong, she is better able to nurture her children, support her spouse, and contribute to the well-being of society. Recognizing this, Global Peace Women’s (GPW) Leadership Academy graduate and Project Leader from Kenya, Wairimu Mwangi, with the support of GPW’s Global Women Dream Grant launched an initiative addressing a silent crisis that affects countless women—mental health awareness and support.
The Mental Health Awareness and Support Project for Women in Ruiru which took place between July to December 2024 sought to equip women with the tools they need to navigate anxiety, stress, and emotional trauma, all while reinforcing their vital role in family and community well-being. Through structured training workshops, counseling sessions, and community engagement activities, the project provided a safe space for women to openly discuss mental health challenges, seek support, and learn practical coping strategies.
The project took a comprehensive approach to addressing mental well-being, ensuring that participants gained both knowledge and practical tools for personal and community resilience. A key focus was on mental health awareness, helping women recognize the signs of distress and understand common mental health challenges. This foundation allowed participants to become more aware of their emotional state and seek help when necessary.
Another critical area of focus was managing anxiety, equipping women with techniques to cope with stress and uncertainty. The project also emphasized resilience building, helping participants develop emotional strength to navigate life’s challenges. This was complemented by stress management and handling difficult conversations, which provided strategies for resolving family and community conflicts constructively.
The project had a profound impact on the 30 women who participated, many of whom had experienced internal displacement, financial struggles, and emotional trauma following the April-May 2024 floods. Notably, 50% of the women sought professional mental health support after the training, demonstrating a significant shift in attitudes toward seeking help. To further expand its reach, the project also launched a month-long social media campaign, increasing awareness beyond the direct participants and fostering a broader conversation on mental well-being within the community.
Beyond these numbers, the project’s real success lay in the personal transformations experienced by the women. “Seeing the women embrace their mental well-being has reinforced the importance of this work.” Wairimu, the project leader expressed her fulfillment at the success of the initiative.
“Before joining the workshops, I didn’t understand the importance of mental health. Now, I feel empowered to manage my stress and support my family better,” shared Maria, a participant
“I used to think seeking help was a sign of weakness, but this project has taught me that it’s actually strength. The counseling sessions helped me find clarity and hope,” said Jane, another, participant
“The workshops transformed my perspective on mental health. I now feel equipped to manage stress and help other women in my circle do the same,” Esther, yet another participant, added.
True to GPW’s belief that women are natural leaders in peacebuilding, this project did not just offer support—it created advocates. Participants were encouraged to become mental health champions, taking their newfound knowledge back to their families and communities. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish a GPW Support Club for Women in Ruiru, where participants can continue sharing knowledge, providing peer support, and engaging in mental health advocacy efforts.
As GPW continues to champion women’s leadership in families and communities, projects like this serve as powerful testaments to the transformative impact of values-based education and empowerment. The Mental Health Awareness and Support Project for Women in Ruiru is more than just an intervention—it is a movement toward breaking stigma, strengthening families, and building a more resilient society.
Learn more about GPW’s work in strengthening families.
