The War against Ourselves: Afghan Women Peacebuilders' Response to the Mental Health Crisis in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is facing a complex mental health crisis inextricably linked with and compounding the dire state of physical, political, and economic insecurity in the country. Afghan women-led peacebuilding organizations are uniquely positioned to address community members’ health and wellness in gender-responsive, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed ways. These organizations provide basic services, build skills, and shape cultural and gender norms. 

WHRDIC member ICAN's case study describes the drivers of the mental health crisis in Afghanistan, its gendered and cultural dimensions, and the strategies used by Afghan women-led peacebuilding organizations to provide solutions. The authors conducted interviews with representatives of Afghan women led peacebuilding organizations and thematic experts, which were complemented by a desk review of project documentation and reports. 

This case study is part of a series documenting the work of women peacebuilders in Afghanistan to ensure their creativity, tenacity, and impact are not lost to history, and inform present practice.