Nepal experienced a growing mental health crisis among women and families over the last two years, expounded by circumstances related to the COVID19 pandemic. The Nepal Police reported a sharp rise in suicides with about 16-18 suicides per day since the pandemic in 2020. Of these, 43% are said to be women. Among reasons related to this increase are unemployment, increased domestic violence, stress and fear.
(image from previous workshop for women and families facilitated by GPW Nepal)
Bidhi Adhikari, a fellow of the Global Peace Women Leadership Academy, sought to address the issue in her community through her project, “Mental Health Training to Married Women.” With the project, Bidhi sparked conversations surrounding mental health and care. She specifically targeted women struggling with access to mental health services. Bidhi and her team provided participating women with tools to spot warning signs of mental health. They also conducted two successive sessions on Mental Health issues and conditions and stigma surrounding it.
In the second phase, the participants learned practical ways of dealing with stress and emotions. It focused on mindfulness for emotion handling. Bidhi’s program featured interactive games to strengthen the understanding of mental health followed by a 20 minute discussion between the trainers and participants.
By the end of the program, 60 women knew about the basic knowledge on the importance of mental health, 50% knew about mindfulness and relaxation which helps in coping with negative emotion.
Bidhi hopes to find more partners so she can continue her work and provide training. Bidhi is a recipient of the Global Women Dream (GWD) Grant; a collaboration between Global Peace Women and Service for Peace Korea. GPW is proud to give wings to service minded women leaders like Bidhi who want to bring positive social transformation in their homes and in their societies.
If you would like to know more about GWD Grant, please check our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GPWInternational for announcements. Global Peace Women International announces open call for the Global Women Dream (GWD) grant proposals twice a year (March & September).