High atop a hill in Kabul, a mental health facility known as Qala stands as a fortress for women in crisis. It operates under the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) and serves as one of the few dedicated spaces for female patients. Inside, the facility is overwhelmed with 104 women, each with their own heartbreaking story.
Among them is Mariam*, a woman who has endured years of domestic violence, homelessness, and neglect. Despite her experiences, she maintains a bright smile and engages in hospital activities, eager for freedom. However, Mariam is in limbo, unable to return to her abusive family or secure a new life, as Afghan cultural norms restrict women from living independently.
Habiba, another patient, was brought to the centre by her husband, who forced her out after marrying again. With her three sons now living with relatives, she longs to reunite with them but finds herself trapped without support. Like Mariam, she waits for a chance to leave, but her situation leaves her with nowhere to turn.
The struggles these women face are echoed by staff at Qala, who report that some patients have been abandoned for decades, left with no visitors or support. Despite the Taliban’s assertion that it upholds women's rights, actions speak louder; a recent UN report indicates that the mental health crisis for women is worsening, with many suffering severe mental health issues, primarily due to restrictions on their rights and independence.
The demand for mental health assistance has surged, exemplified by situations like that of 16-year-old Zainab, who had been confined at home for years before finally being admitted to Qala due to her deteriorating mental health. Her father battles a fear of dishonor while struggling to understand his daughter's trauma.
Dr. Abdul Wali Utmanzai, a nearby psychiatrist serving a predominantly female clientele, highlights the stigma surrounding mental health and the challenges women face in seeking help. With resources dwindling, the road ahead for women like Mariam, Habiba, and Zainab remains bleak, revealing a cycle of neglect that continues under the Taliban's regime.
*Names of patients and families have been altered for their protection.
Among them is Mariam*, a woman who has endured years of domestic violence, homelessness, and neglect. Despite her experiences, she maintains a bright smile and engages in hospital activities, eager for freedom. However, Mariam is in limbo, unable to return to her abusive family or secure a new life, as Afghan cultural norms restrict women from living independently.
Habiba, another patient, was brought to the centre by her husband, who forced her out after marrying again. With her three sons now living with relatives, she longs to reunite with them but finds herself trapped without support. Like Mariam, she waits for a chance to leave, but her situation leaves her with nowhere to turn.
The struggles these women face are echoed by staff at Qala, who report that some patients have been abandoned for decades, left with no visitors or support. Despite the Taliban’s assertion that it upholds women's rights, actions speak louder; a recent UN report indicates that the mental health crisis for women is worsening, with many suffering severe mental health issues, primarily due to restrictions on their rights and independence.
The demand for mental health assistance has surged, exemplified by situations like that of 16-year-old Zainab, who had been confined at home for years before finally being admitted to Qala due to her deteriorating mental health. Her father battles a fear of dishonor while struggling to understand his daughter's trauma.
Dr. Abdul Wali Utmanzai, a nearby psychiatrist serving a predominantly female clientele, highlights the stigma surrounding mental health and the challenges women face in seeking help. With resources dwindling, the road ahead for women like Mariam, Habiba, and Zainab remains bleak, revealing a cycle of neglect that continues under the Taliban's regime.
*Names of patients and families have been altered for their protection.
