Mental wellness shall not be a luxury

Mental wellness advocacy in rural communities

In Eswatini, there has been an increase in mental health issues, which are also linked to gender-based violence and unemployment. In rural communities in the Hhohho region, mental health issues affect individuals, families, and communities. These issues are often associated with witchcraft and demonic possession due to a lack of knowledge and awareness of mental health challenges.
The pandemic has acted as a stressor, increasing the prevalence of mental illness in both women and men due to the high morbidity and mortality rates, and loss of jobs caused by the pandemic. Men and women suffering from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse face a great deal of discrimination. Stigma and marginalisation cause suffering and prevent people from seeking help, even at the national psychiatric referral hospital, which is strongly stigmatised.
Unemployment is a major contributing factor, and according to the Integrated Labour Force Survey, unemployment in the country is high and rising. A lack of economic opportunities contributes to a cycle of poverty and psychological distress affecting all age groups, particularly women.
Women have been exposed to violent conflicts and abuse because they are considered to be submissive and subordinate to men. In some households, women cannot discuss family issues with their husbands. They face discrimination and violence, as well as the pressure of balancing work and family life, all of which has a negative effect on their mental health. They also face stigma and barriers when trying to access mental healthcare due to societal expectations, a lack of resources, and cultural norms.

Interaction with Membatsises' communtiy health volunteers (CBHVs) and target groups of former sahee projects ! Link zu Projekt:
Empowering the ones who care, and projects implemented together with other donors has indicated that approximately 60 per cent of women and young people have experienced trauma in their lives. Reports from CBHVs show that six out of ten of the homesteads visited are affected by mental health issues.
Based on this analysis, Membatsise is focusing in this phase of the project on integrating mental health into the training of its CBHVs and women from self-help groups (SHGs) that Membatsise is working with in another project. The reason for chosing SHG women over other women affected by mental health issues is the expectation of a dual positive impact: on their well-being as well as on their performance with regard to savings, credits and small businesses. At the same time, it is important to include men and local leaders in order to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues within the communities.

Objectives of the project:
1. Women participating in the SHG project experience increased confidence, self-esteem and resilience (the ability to face and overcome crises, both social and economic).
2. Community leaders, community-based health volunteers (CBHVs) and men show interest and pro-activity in better identifying and responding to mental health concerns.

The main activities to reach those objectives are:
1. Capacity building on mental health:
a) Conduct training on mental health for 25 CBHVs and 5 Membatsise staff.
b) Deliver mental health and gender-based violence training to SHG women (100).
2. Fight stigmatisation and marginalisation through awareness-raising:
a) Hold dialogues on mental health and gender-based violence (GBV) for men (100).
b) Hold stakeholder meetings with local authorities, service providers, and development actors in three Tinkundla.

Project site

Hhohho Region, Mhlangatane, Mayiwane and Timphisini Thinkundla (Map)

Beneficiaries

Women: 130 direct, 50 indirect
Men: 120 direct, 50 indirect

Project costs and assistance by sahee

The entire project costs are CHF 37’400.–. The project is fully financed by sahee.

Sahee is in regular contact with the project managers, monitors activities, and visits the project site once a year.

Duration of assistance

1st of September 2025 to 31st of August 2027

Local counterpart

Membatsise Home Based Care