Women are disproportionately affected by anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with poverty, gender-based violence and unequal caregiving responsibilities among the factors contributing to their vulnerability, Parliament’s Multi-Party Women’s Caucus (MPWC) heard on Friday (16 October).
The Department of Health (NDoH) briefed the caucus on mental health challenges affecting women, highlighting the scale of the problem, gaps in healthcare services and the need for stronger public awareness.
According to the department’s presentation, approximately 13% of the global population, or 970 million people, experience mental health conditions. In South Africa, almost one-third of the population may experience a common mental disorder during their lifetime.
Many contributing factors
The presentation also indicate that women are more affected by anxiety, depression, PTSD and dementia, while substance use disorders are more prevalent among men.
Chairperson of the MPWC, Lindelwa Dunjwa, said mental health should be recognised as a broader public health and human rights priority.
“Mental health is not merely an isolated clinical issue, but it is rather deeply intertwined with our socio-economic landscape,” she said. “The data clearly demonstrates that women face a unique matrix of risk factors ranging from biological shifts and chronic physical illnesses to traditional gender roles, economic inequalities and a high susceptibility to societal ills such as gender-based violence.”
The department identified poverty, abuse, unsafe living environments, unemployment and gender inequality as contributing factors. Hormonal changes during childbirth and menopause can also increase women’s vulnerability to anxiety and depression, while household and childcare responsibilities add to psychological pressure.
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi highlighted the links between mental health, substance abuse and socio-economic hardship. He warned that alcohol and drug abuse, particularly crystal methamphetamine use, contributed to violence and placed additional pressure on families and healthcare facilities.
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He further argued that efforts to address gender-based violence would remain inadequate without addressing alcohol abuse. Motsoaledi also raised concerns about cannabis use, claiming departmental observations showed an increase in mental health conditions following changes to its legal status, although he provided no specific figures.
The department acknowledged in their presentation that mental healthcare remains under-resourced, with staff shortages and limited funding restricting progress. The National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan for 2023–2030 aims to strengthen primary healthcare, improve infrastructure, expand the mental health workforce and increase public awareness.
During the meeting it also came to the forefront that an earmarked National Treasury grant supports the appointment of psychologists, social workers and psychiatric-trained nurses at primary healthcare facilities. Dedicated mental health units are also being introduced in general hospitals, but shortages of psychiatric beds persist, leaving some patients in prison while awaiting admission.
Meanwhile, it was conveyed that the department is strengthening mental health screening during antenatal and postnatal care, with nurses receiving training to identify women who need support and refer those requiring specialised treatment. School health programmes are also being expanded to identify psychological distress and suicide risk among young people. Community health workers and traditional healers are being trained to recognise warning signs and refer people for assistance, while community outreach initiatives aim to reduce stigma.
Focus on awareness programmes
During the discussion, caucus members raised concerns about specialised care for women experiencing postpartum psychosis and severe perinatal depression, the availability of mother-and-baby psychiatric units, social worker shortages and mental health services in rural communities. They also questioned workplace support and the number of public awareness programmes conducted annually.
The department undertook to provide further information on staffing and awareness programmes. It also confirmed that it was working with other departments and community stakeholders to improve early identification and referrals.
Dunjwa called for greater cooperation across government and society to address the underlying causes of mental illness.
“We must strengthen our joint efforts across education, welfare, law enforcement and justice to dismantle the drivers of psychological distress and build institutional capacity,” she said. She added that the caucus remained committed to oversight, public advocacy and policy implementation to safeguard women’s and girls’ mental wellbeing.
“The MPWC Steering Committee also calls on the Department of Health and all other levels of government to increase mental health awareness and outreach programmes across the country to highlight the increasing levels of mental health challenges and the impact it has daily, not just on individuals but on the broader community.”
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The caucus plans further engagement with the department after the local government elections to follow up on outstanding questions and monitor the implementation of mental health strategies.
Dunjwa said the caucus would continue advocating for resources to ensure accessible mental healthcare free of stigma for all citizens.
