09/10/2021
TO ALL THE WHRDS in this forum, the therapists who have given probono services to members who are living with mental health related issues, this is a win for you too!
From as way back as 2016, I have spoken to anyone who would listen, about the need to look into the Mental Health of Human Rights Defenders.
In 2018, I was privileged to join the University of York Centre For Applied Human Rights on a fully sponsored fellowship where the research I launched yesterday was born. The centre gave the 8 Human Rights Defenders from around the world who were on the program, an opportunity to present a concept that would be considered for a research grant.
I won the grant and thus began a journey to put together this document with the amazing support of Women Human Rights Defenders across Kenya, Nchrd Kenya, Alice Nah and her amazing team in YORK and most importantly MY FAMILY who have been by my side to carry me through all my dark moments!
Yesterday was important, not just for me but for all Human Rights defenders who have to deal with a lot of trauma, heartache and mental health issues because of what we do.
The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, addiction, thoughts, attempts of su***de and other wide range of emotions we go through can be better handled if we become deliberate about our well-being and self-care.
To all who supported and took part in my research, came to the launch and celebrated with me, I cannot thank you enough. We now have a journey ahead. A journey that will ensure we continue to be effective and strong HRDs by first taking care of ourselves.
