Gender is a strong factor in a person’s mental health. It can determine the power and control a person has over their social position, status, treatment, and access to services in society.
Gender inequality isn’t just a social issue—it’s a health issue too. Around the world, women and girls often face discrimination that affects every part of their lives, including their ability to stay healthy and get the care they need. Compared to men and boys, women and girls are more likely to face barriers when it comes to accessing health information and services. While the rates of mental health conditions are almost identical for men and women, certain disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are more common among women.
In commemoration of Women’s Month 2025, we are so thankful to Michelle Kekana for sharing her lived experience of depression with us.
Michelle is an author who has written her debut novel, “The Fragile Mental Health of Strong Women“. She was granted a writing fellowship through the University of Johannesburg Institute of Advanced Studies (JIAS). Michelle writes essays about a post-Mandela South Africa for a literacy Trust. She has been published in an anthology of essays about post-apartheid South Africa. Michelle is a former teacher and an eternal student who is passionate about creating the things she wishes existed. She is an adoring mother of four children, ranging from ages 11 to 27.
The message to women is that you don’t always have to be strong. That it’s okay to be fragile. That it is okay to fall apart. That none of us have it completley together 100% of the time. The best thing that you can do for yourself when you’re feeling down is to find your tribe and find your support.”
You can listen to Michelle’s story below.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) offers a range of FREE Women’s Support Groups designed to create a safe, supportive space for women to connect, share, and receive guidance.
For details of a local Support Group near you, call SADAG on 0800 21 22 23 or 0800 70 80 90, or visit www.sadag.org
SADAG also has a Women’s Mental Health Toolkit on their website. You can access it here.
* Feature Image courtesy of Amber N Ford via Canva.com
