Conclusion
The mental health of women human rights defenders in the MENA region represents a serious
and often a taken for granted challenge that has profound implications for their wellbeing and
their ability to continue engaging in human rights work. The cumulative effects of political
repression, intergenerational pressure, societal restriction, and personal risk can significantly
impact WHRDs’ psychological health, ultimately affecting their capacity to sustain the
important work of promoting social justice and gender equality. At the same time, limited
access to mental health services and culturally sensitive support systems makes it extremely
difficult for many WHRDs to seek safe, adequate, and confidential care when needed.
Despite these challenges, there remains meaningful potential to address these issues through
greater awareness, solidarity, and collective action within civil society. Also, women-led
organisations and human rights groups can play a critical role by conducting research,
assessing the specific needs of WHRDs, and mobilising resources to provide appropriate
support mechanisms.
Furthermore, the increasing availability of digital and virtual mental health services offers new
opportunities for WHRDs to access secure and professional care, particularly for those
operating in restrictive environments or living in exile. Strengthening initiatives that support
women’s agency and resilience in the face of structural inequality is essential. Efforts that
foster solidarity networks, provide psychosocial support, and recognise the emotional and
psychological burden carried by WHRDs can help counter feelings of isolation and
helplessness. Ultimately, addressing the mental health needs of WHRDs is not only a matter of
individual wellbeing, but also a crucial component of sustaining long-term human rights
advocacy and empowering women to continue challenging injustice in their communities.
Despite limited financial resources, GCHR has attempted, with the support of UAF and other
donors, to respond to the growing mental health needs of women human rights defenders
through initiatives implemented within its WHRD programme. These efforts have included
creative writing workshops designed to provide safe spaces for expression, reflection, and
peer solidarity among WHRDs.
GCHR has also facilitated collective wellbeing sessions led by a psychologist experienced in
working with human rights defenders and familiar with the regional political and social
context in which WHRDs operate. In addition, the organisation has offered confidential
one-to-one psychological support sessions for WHRDs who requested individual assistance.
While these initiatives remain limited in scale due to funding constraints, they demonstrate
the importance and potential impact of tailored, culturally aware psychosocial support for
WHRDs working under conditions of sustained pressure, insecurity, and risk. However, the
scale of mental health needs among WHRDs across the region far exceeds the limited
resources currently available, underscoring the urgent need for broader institutional and
donor support.
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