Prof Fatima Zaman
Women’s empowerment begins with the freedom to live with dignity, make choices and ask for help without fear. Mental health is central to that freedom. When women feel supported emotionally, they are better able to pursue education, build careers, care for themselves and take part in community life.
Yet many women feel pressure to keep going, whatever they are facing. They may balance paid work, childcare, household duties and caring for relatives. Some also face financial hardship, discrimination, abuse or loneliness. Behind a confident smile, a woman may be struggling and unsure where to turn.
We must stop treating emotional distress as a personal failure. Feeling overwhelmed does not make someone weak. Asking for support is a sensible and courageous step. Women deserve care because their lives and wellbeing matter, whether or not they are looking after anyone else.
Helping starts with listening. If a friend, colleague or relative seems withdrawn, worried or unusually tired, find a quiet moment to ask how she feels. Listen without interrupting. Avoid saying, “Others have it worse,” or, “Just stay positive.” Instead, ask what would make things easier.
Practical help can be as valuable as kind words. Sharing childcare, cooking a meal, helping with transport or taking on household tasks can give someone breathing space. Families should discuss responsibilities fairly, rather than assuming that women will manage everything without rest.
Women should also be supported to seek professional help when they need it. A GP can discuss mental health concerns and suitable support. Offer to help arrange an appointment or accompany her if she wishes. Respect her privacy and let her remain involved in decisions about her care.
Workplaces have an important role. Managers should make it easier to discuss difficulties privately, respond fairly to requests for flexibility and challenge bullying or harassment. A supportive workplace recognises that employees sometimes need adjustments and time to recover.
Community groups can create welcoming spaces where women meet, share experiences and learn about available services. Activities such as walking groups, creative sessions and informal gatherings can offer connection.
However, community support should complement professional care when that care is needed.
Empowerment also means having control over money, education and personal choices. Training opportunities, fair employment and accessible childcare can help women build independence. Support must include women who face language barriers, disability, insecure housing or limited access to technology.
Girls need encouragement too. Schools and families should teach them that their opinions matter, boundaries deserve respect and asking for help is acceptable. Confidence grows when girls are heard, rather than expected to remain silent or meet impossible standards.
We should be careful not to turn wellbeing into another task women must perform perfectly. Rest, exercise and social contact may help, but they cannot remove unfair treatment or replace appropriate care.
Supporting women’s mental health is a shared responsibility. By listening, sharing daily burdens, improving access to care and protecting women’s choices, we can make empowerment part of everyday life. Every woman deserves the opportunity to feel safe, valued, supported and hopeful.
