As part of its unwavering commitment to advocating for women's rights and advancing their status, the Arab Women Organization (AWO) has conducted a comprehensive regional study titled "The State of Mental Health for Women and Girls in the Arab Region" This evidence-based study aims to provide policymakers with critical data and comparative analyses to foster legislation and strategies that are more responsive to the needs of women, particularly the most vulnerable groups. By linking mental health to human rights, sustainable development, and social justice, the AWO seeks to place these issues at the heart of public policy and developmental discourse in a region characterized by recurring crises and heightened fragility.

 

 

The study provides an in-depth analysis of the structural challenges and contextual differences affecting women's mental health, including the impacts of armed conflict and poverty. It further explores how these factors intersect with social and digital transformations, examining the role of media and technology in shaping societal awareness and influencing early intervention and prevention efforts.

 

Moreover, the research evaluates existing legislative frameworks and national strategies, assessing their alignment with international standards and their capacity to address the structural hurdles and lived realities of women.

 

The regional study is based on detailed national reports prepared by specialized Arab experts from eight countries: Jordan, Tunisia, Oman, Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. These reports examine:

 

National legislation and public policies related to mental health.

 

Institutions providing direct mental health services to women and girls.

 

The inclusion of mental health on the agendas of national mechanisms.

 

Efforts to support survivors of violence and those affected by armed conflicts.

 

The findings have been synthesized into a final regional report that offers an analytical vision and strategic recommendations for policymakers to secure essential mental health support for women and girls.

 

To disseminate the study’s findings among government bodies and NGOs across the Arab world, the AWO will host a Virtual Workshop via Zoom on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 10:30 AM (Cairo Time). The event will feature representatives from member states and subject matter experts.

 

Registration Link: