All people of all ages and at all levels - cultural, social and economic - have mental health needs. Women are a section in society which has particular needs arising from the conditions they face and affecting their mental health based on the existing gender differences.

With growing knowledge on mental health in Arab societies, issues affecting women are increasingly explored by workers in the different fields ranging from policies and media, to general health and education. Additionally, misconceptions and stigma are being addressed. However, mental health can only become a realized right for women, as for other sections facing discrimination, when the status of women is changed in society and when conditions are improved for women, their families and loved ones.

This newsletter on “Mental Health and Psycho-social Support For all Women” looks at the situation facing women in the world today, and particularly in Arab societies, while it advocates, based on research, for mental health to be an integral part of definitions, interventions, services and good practice across the different sectors.

We hope that you share with us your opinions and that you contribute to the development of this electronic newsletter by sending your feedback and / or articles to our editorial team at the following address: mhp@mawared.org