UN says mental health support vital for women and girls in Afghanistan

UNFPA says mental health and counseling services are improving wellbeing of Afghan women and girls, stressing need for continued humanitarian support programs.

UN says mental health support services are helping Afghan women and girls cope with trauma, stress, and hardship under challenging humanitarian conditions.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says providing mental health counseling and humanitarian support is playing a critical role in improving the psychological and social wellbeing of women and girls in Afghanistan. The agency highlighted the importance of sustained services amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.

In a report released Wednesday, UNFPA said women who received assistance demonstrated how counseling programs and support services in maternal and child care centers have helped those affected by trauma and hardship. The findings point to measurable improvements in emotional stability and resilience.

The report noted that psychological first aid, individual counseling, and the creation of safe spaces have significantly reduced anxiety, fear, and other mental health challenges among women. These interventions have been particularly important for those facing isolation and limited access to resources.

UNFPA also emphasized that psychosocial empowerment programs include stress management training, confidence-building exercises, and self-care techniques. Such initiatives are designed to help women regain control over their lives and better cope with ongoing pressures.

Afghanistan has faced a prolonged humanitarian crisis marked by economic decline, restrictions on women’s participation in public life, and limited access to education and employment. These conditions have contributed to rising mental health concerns, particularly among women and girls.

Access to mental health services remains limited across much of the country, with shortages of trained professionals and cultural barriers often preventing women from seeking help. Humanitarian organizations have increasingly focused on integrating psychosocial support into broader aid programs.

UNFPA stressed that continued delivery of these services is essential to improving long-term mental health outcomes and strengthening resilience among women and girls living in difficult conditions. The agency called for sustained international support to expand such initiatives.

The report underscores the growing recognition that mental health care is a key component of humanitarian response, especially in contexts where women face compounded social, economic, and psychological challenges.

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