The women's wing of Kabul's Qala mental health center reveals tragic stories of women like Mariam and Habiba, who remain trapped by societal norms and lack of support, highlighting the growing mental health crisis in Afghanistan amidst stringent Taliban regulations.
"Trapped in Silence: Afghan Women's Mental Health Crisis Unfolds"
"Trapped in Silence: Afghan Women's Mental Health Crisis Unfolds"
A decade of conflict and rising patriarchal restrictions have left many Afghan women confined in mental health facilities, yearning for freedom and understanding.
High on a hill in Kabul, behind tall barbed wire, lies Qala, the women’s wing of a mental health facility operated by the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS). This center, one of the few in the nation dedicated to mental health services for women, currently houses 104 patients, each with heart-wrenching stories. Among them is Mariam, a woman believed to be in her mid-20s. After suffering domestic violence and being forced into homelessness, she has spent nine years in the center, unable to leave due to a lack of options outside its walls.
Mariam recounts her experiences of abuse at the hands of her family, particularly her brothers, who would beat her for seeking independence, pressing the idea that girls should never travel alone. After being thrown out, she faced the streets until a compassionate woman brought her to Qala. Despite her circumstances, Mariam remains hopeful, frequently smiling and volunteering at the facility, yet she longs for freedom. Unable to return home or find a partner, her dreams of marriage and independence remain stagnant.
Habiba, another patient, also experiences this cycle of entrapment. At 28, she was brought to Qala by her husband, who abandoned her after remarrying. With no means of communication or support, she is unable to reunite with her children, deepening her despair. Their narratives reflect a troubling pattern; many women in Qala have been left without family support for years, with some patients claiming long-term residence of over 40 years.
The mental health crisis is compounded by Taliban restrictions; women face severe limitations in movement and autonomy, making it difficult for them to seek help. This situation only exacerbates their mental health issues, as many women rely on male relatives for necessities, and the societal stigma surrounding mental illnesses creates additional barriers.
While the Taliban claims to uphold women's rights, stark statistics tell a different story. A 2024 UN report highlights a worsening mental health crisis, with 68% of Afghan women reporting poor mental health. As the pressure mounts on service providers, facilities are overwhelmed. Dr. Abdul Wali Utmanzai, a psychiatrist at a nearby hospital, notes the strain and high patient influx, particularly among young women facing socio-economic challenges.
Efforts to admit new patients are futile, as evidenced by the plight of one family attempting to secure a spot for their 16-year-old daughter, Zainab. After multiple bombings at her school, Zainab's mental state deteriorated, yet when her condition became critical, she was forced to endure confinement as her mental health deteriorated without intervention.
As the situation stands, many women, including Mariam, Habiba, and now Zainab, fear becoming permanently abandoned within these facilities, their voices unheard among the echoes of suffering that fill Qala. Their struggles serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action and recognition of the rights and care for women in Afghanistan amidst ongoing societal constraints.
