Why Mental Health Support for Women in Media Matters
At Cameras For Girls, our unique approach goes beyond technical training. We equip young African women with the skills, tools, and confidence they need to secure paid work in male-dominated media spaces. Our work has shown us that achieving this goal requires more than just technical training. It requires addressing the silent struggles that many of our students face—struggles that significantly affect their mental health and, consequently, their ability to thrive.
Although mental health support is not explicitly part of our program's mandate, nor do we have a budget for such interventions, we knew we couldn't stand by. That's why we've partnered with Jo Bell of thejobell.com and Shamala Hinrichsen of Hanai, who are both also a part of the Vital Voices Leadership group. Jo Bell is offering two back-to-back mental health sessions for our student base. Together with Shamala, we're working to secure funding for a long-term program dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of our students, recognizing that this is a crucial and ongoing need.
Stories Beyond the Classroom
Many of the young women in our program face obstacles that go beyond developing their careers. These difficulties often arise from personal relationships, cultural expectations, and structural inequalities. Through our work with students, we've identified several significant factors that impact their mental well-being:
Emotional Neglect and Abuse
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 3 women worldwide—approximately 30%—experience physical or emotional violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Studies show this number can be even higher in parts of Africa, with some regions reporting rates close to 40-45%. Many women in our program have bravely shared their experiences of emotional neglect, criticism, or controlling behaviour, which takes a serious toll on their mental health and self-worth.
The impact is profound—research shows that women experiencing emotional abuse are at twice the risk of developing anxiety and depression compared to those in supportive relationships.
The Vulnerability of Pregnancy
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), they report that 10% of pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries experience mental disorders, primarily depression. Among women facing intimate partner violence, this figure rises to 25% or more. Some of our Cameras For Girls students have shared stories of facing increased isolation and stress due to the lack of support from their partners during pregnancy, putting both maternal and fetal health at risk.
The Weight of Societal Expectations
In many African societies, traditional gender roles dictate a woman's place in the home and emphasize dependency on male partners. In many African communities, cultural norms often reinforce traditional gender roles, placing a strong emphasis on women’s responsibilities within the home and their reliance on male partners. Research indicates that a significant proportion of women in Sub-Saharan Africa—around 70%—feel societal pressure to prioritize family obligations over their personal ambitions. This expectation can hinder personal development and create and restrict their opportunities for growth.
For young women seeking careers in male-dominated fields like media and journalism, these societal pressures can fuel feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, perpetuating the belief that they don’t have a rightful place in these industries.
Barriers to Seeking Help
Despite growing awareness, the stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier. According to UNICEF, nearly 80% of people in low-income countries do not seek mental health support due to stigma, fear of judgment, or lack of resources.
Our students have shared how difficult it is to access affordable and critical mental health care. This isolation often results in young women suffering in silence, unable to share their burdens even within their own communities.
Moving Toward Empowerment: Why We Must Listen and Act
Our program isn't just about getting women jobs—it's about building their confidence, amplifying their voices, and fostering independence. To truly “INpower” women, we must acknowledge and address the complex realities they face inside and outside the classroom.
Providing mental health support is only one part of the solution. We also need initiatives that:
Encourage women to assert their rights and build autonomy within relationships.
Equip them with the tools to recognize unhealthy dynamics and seek safe support networks.
Foster resilience and self-worth, reminding them they deserve respect and success in every aspect of their lives.
What Comes Next: Your Voice Matters
We aim to ensure our interventions are informed, compassionate, and impactful. These women deserve to dream boldly, thrive professionally, and live free from the emotional burdens that hold them back. By continuing to listen and respond to their needs, we're building more than careers—we're fostering hope, resilience, and empowerment.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Your support, whether through donations, partnerships, or individual support to our students, can make a significant difference in the lives of these young women. Your involvement is not just a contribution but a vital part of the solution.