'No-one comes for us': The women trapped in Afghanistan's mental health system
Summary
In Afghanistan, a mental health center in Kabul, run by the Afghan Red Crescent Society, struggles to support female patients due to limited facilities and societal challenges. Many women, like Mariam and Habiba, remain in the facility because they have no safe place to return to and face strict societal rules that limit their independence. The mental health system in Afghanistan is under strain, with deep-rooted cultural and legal barriers preventing women from gaining autonomy.Key Facts
- The mental health center is located in Kabul and is the largest of a few facilities for women with mental illnesses in Afghanistan.
- There are currently 104 women at the center, which faces difficulties due to overcrowding and limited resources.
- Mariam, a patient in her mid-20s, has been at the center for nine years after fleeing domestic violence and homelessness.
- In Afghanistan, women face strict regulations requiring a male guardian for many activities, limiting their independence.
- Gender inequality and lack of economic opportunities often trap women in situations where they rely on male relatives.
- Habiba, another patient, was brought to the center by her husband and is unable to return home or support herself independently.
- Some women at the facility have been there for decades, with their families abandoning them completely.
- The Taliban spokesperson stated they do not allow violence against women, in response to international reports on women's rights issues.
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