THE EDITOR: This year, the campaign theme for International Women's Day (March 8), #EmbraceEquity, seeks "to get the world talking about why "equal opportunities are no longer enough" - and can in fact be exclusionary, rather than inclusive.
It brings to the forefront the difference between equality and equity, as for many people these words are interchangeable or carry the same meaning. They are not. Equality is when everyone gets the same opportunities, and while this can be considered as an improvement in some sectors, we all know that one size does not fit all.
Some people, due to adverse situations and/or disabilities, will need extra benefits and resources if they are to succeed in life. But where do we start? How do we close the gap between equality and equity? The focus for this year on DEI - diversity, equity and inclusion - begs the question, especially in the area of proper mental healthcare.
Very rarely do we embrace equity with people who are mentally ill. Mental health affects everyone and, more so, women who are victims of domestic violence every day, who continue to endure the mental and emotional, traumatic effects of adverse circumstances.
Moreno and Chhatwal (2020), on equity in public health, posit that "women have higher rates of mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and trauma-associated conditions, compared with men. They are also more likely to be victims of trauma or abuse in the form of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, and are less likely to access care, even when it is available."
When these traumatic experiences affect their mental health, women tend to be marginalised by family members, friends and co-workers, and this social exclusion can decrease their mental well-being. Many women are therefore reluctant to seek help and counselling for fear of stigma or discrimination.
What if we had a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination against women with mental illness - a world where they are valued and celebrated and their mental health seen as crucial to the survival of family life and economic growth in any society? How can we break down the barriers that currently exist to equitable care in mental health for people?
Which politician or equal opportunities advocate is ready to examine the policies and systems that have un/intentionally widened the gap, preventing equitable distribution of resources to underprivileged individuals and groups, especially women and children affected by mental illness?
Collective activism from all sectors of society - business, the pulpit, stakeholders in education, law enforcement, politics - will drive change. Moreno and Chhatwal (2020) further stress that "leaders of mental health agencies and individual providers must make health equity an important part of their mission and contribute toward it according to their capacity."
While those affected by mental illness and their families await these much
