In July 2023, DAWEO signed a project agreement with UNWomen, which encompasses several components, including health, psychosocial support, workshops, economic empowerment, and legal assistance. Based on an assessment conducted in February 2023, DAWEO identified that many women and girls were suffering from mental health disorders. In response, DAWEO developed a comprehensive training and workshop program aimed at supporting the most vulnerable women and girls.
The psychosocial support (PSS) workshop was designed as a two-day event, led by experienced psychologists and master trainers who created enriching training materials tailored for the participants. Beneficiaries were carefully selected from a group of women surveyed across various districts and villages. Following the selection process, DAWEO’s capacity-building department reached out to these women to invite them to attend the workshop.
Recognizing that many participants were facing economic hardships, the program also included coverage for transportation costs to ensure their attendance. From July 2023 to December 2024, 700 women participated in 12 rounds of health and psychosocial workshops in Bamiyan and Paktia, gaining valuable knowledge and support. The topics covered during the two-day workshop included:
First Day: Anger Management
1. Increased Awareness: Participants became more aware of what anger is and how it can manifest in their lives. Understanding the profile, causes, and effects of anger can lead to a healthier self-reflection.
2. Skill Development: The anger control techniques taught in the seminar equip participants with practical skills for managing their anger. These techniques can include deep breathing, cognitive restructuring, and communication skills, contributing to healthier responses to anger-provoking situations.
3. Improved Relationships: By learning about anger management, individuals may be able to improve their interpersonal relationships. Better management of anger can reduce conflicts, improve communication, and foster healthier emotional connections with others.
4.Resilience Building: Through discussions on resilience, participants are likely to feel more empowered to face challenges, contributing to their overall emotional well-being.
Second Day: Understanding Depression
1.Recognizing Symptoms: Participants gained knowledge on the various types of depression and their symptoms, which could lead to better self-recognition of mental health issues and an understanding of those around them.
2. Identification of Risk Factor: Understanding who is prone to depression helps participants recognize vulnerability in themselves and others, encouraging proactive measures for mental health support.
3.Encouragement to Seek Help: The seminar likely emphasized the importance of seeking help for depressive symptoms, potentially reducing stigma and encouraging participants to reach out for support when needed.
4.Holistic Understanding: The integration of physical and mental signs of depression fosters a more holistic view of mental health. Participants may become more empathetic and aware of how depression affects daily life and relationships.
Overall Impact of the Two-Day Workshop
Increased Mental Health Literacy: Participants leave with a greater understanding of mental health issues, which can foster community support and cohesion. In summary, the two-day PSS seminars on anger and depression are anticipated to yield both immediate and long-term benefits, enhancing participants’ coping mechanisms, awareness, and emotional well-being.
