social circles. Such gender roles and social pressures can leave them stressed, which if not addressed leads to serious mental problems. Tis is even worse during dif- ficult economic times. “Many of the retrenchment pro-


grammes implemented by countries in sub-Saharan Africa in response to poor economic performance have affected those in lower cadres, which are predominant- ly occupied by women,” says Prof. Ruth Oniang’o, a gender activist who advocates for women’s economic empowerment in the Eastern African region. Such stress affects women from differ-


ent walks of life, in different ways. Inter- views with single and unemployed women struggling to cater for food, clothes and education for their children suggests that many have high levels of anxiety. On the


says Peter Lubao, a consultant counsellor. In some cases, psychiatrists say gender discrimination, sexual violence and har- assment causes women to develop anxiety or depressive disorders. Women usually lack appropriate channels to cope with their situations. For example, a 2009 study conducted by Gender Links, Glass Ceil- ing: Women and Men in Southern Africa Media, noted that sexual harassment is a serious concern in the media industry. The study reports: “Media women


across the region complained about be- ing treated as sexual objects in media houses and men showed little apprecia- tion and understanding of what is meant by sexual harassment.” For example, only 28% of media houses who participated in the Glass Ceiling study said they have sexual harassment policies. When it comes to hormones, some


“Breaking free of depression and anxiety can be the first step for women to become fully aware of their own capabilities”


studies show that hormonal fluctuations during menstrual changes, puberty, and pregnancy produce different emotions and reactions in women, which can result in depression. However, little help is available for women to cope with these develop- ments, and society has little understand- ing of mental health issues. Gender advocates want information


and education programmes initiated or enhanced, where they exist, to cushion women from anxiety and depression. Af- rican governments must recognise these mental health issues, and put in place legislation on gender based violence and family laws that would help to support women’s rights and choices. Tere is a need to help women understand their mental health, and encourage treatment- seeking behaviours. Men must also rethink how they treat


of “thinking too much”, “deep sadness”, grief, fear, or having of an insoluble prob- lem as some of the causes of their anxiety. Further analysis suggests that men are the leading source of the difficulties women undergo. Prof. Ndetei says cases of depression


among women are likely to be high in Af- rican countries where living conditions are difficult and there are no support systems for women who need psychiatric help. Society generally apportions more gen-


der-specific roles to women than men, which doctors say tends to negatively af- fect women’s health and productivity at the workplace, as well as in education and


other hand, women working outside the home who are balancing professional du- ties with family demands are also con- stantly anxious for things to run smoothly both at the workplace and at home. According to a study by Dr Frank


Njega, Depression in Kenyan Professional Women, 22% of 86 women surveyed said they experienced depression. Another 30% said they were coping less well than they usually do. Gender-based stress at the workplace, which results from such problems as double standards and sexual harassment, combined with doing double- duty at the household level, can make life very stressful for a working woman,


women and be supportive partners. More and more men are participating in pro- grammes to reshape society’s gender stere- otypes, but these are mostly urban based. While physical violence continues to


be prevalent in Africa, and needs urgent attention, there is also need to understand the mental health aspect of gender roles and gender based violence. Breaking free of depression and anxiety can be the first step for women to become fully aware of their own capabilities.


Arthur Okwemba is a journalist with


the African Women and Child Feature Service in Kenya. Tis article is courtesy of the Gender Links Opinion and Com- mentary Service.


WINTER 2011 | NEW AFRICAN WOMAN | 81


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