Women’s Political and Economic Participation

The private and public realms of life are in large part culturally defined as female and male, respectively. Various human rights treaties and political agreements call on States to enable women to participate in the male-dominated public sphere. Obstacles abound for girls and women, who find themselves excluded not only because of their gender but also when they experience mental health problems and the perceived consequences, including potential “dangerousness.” Manifold factors play into the state of mental health of girls and women, among them the status quo of gender relations, the interactions with every day life, and the consequences of male-oriented health policies. The latter do not adequately cater to the accessibility needs of girls and women, especially those with mental health problems.

Chapter in: Mental Health and Illness (Springer 2020)