Partnering to promote collective wellness of women’s rights activists

In recent years, the importance of mental well-being has gained significant recognition across various sectors, especially within the activism space. The stressful nature of activism, driven by the relentless pursuit of social change, often takes a toll on activists’ mental health. Recognizing this critical issue, Think Young Women (TYW) has taken a proactive stance to ensure the mental wellness of its staff and volunteers.

In May of this year, TYW partnered with Safe Space for Girls, an organisation dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness, to send five of its members to a collective wellness retreat. The retreat, held in Kartong, a serene environment away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, provided the team with an opportunity to unwind, reflect, and rejuvenate. It included a series of workshops and activities focused on mental health, stress management, and self-care practices. The program was designed to equip participants with tools and techniques to manage the psychological pressures associated with their activism work and personal lives.

TYW’s participation in the wellness retreat sets a positive example for other organizations in the sector. This initiative aligns with a broader movement to address the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by activists, who frequently work under intense conditions and face constant emotional and physical demands.

The partnership with Safe Space for Girls was particularly strategic, considering the demotivating happenings in the activism space and given the organization’s focus on mental health support. Their tailored approach addresses the unique needs of women and girls in this space and beyond. The retreat featured sessions on mindfulness, yoga, and other practices, fostering a supportive environment where participants could recharge and connect.

Sukai John, a Programme Assistant at TYW, reflected on her experience, stating, "the space allowed me to pick myself up and be whole again." This sentiment was echoed by Fatou Sarr, an alumnus of the TYW’s Girls Mentorship Programme, who shared, "this space has helped me learn to love myself more, heal from trauma, and escape the chaos. I met amazing people with different stories, and it was beautiful to be listened to and given the space to share."

Fatima Gomez, TYW’s Communications Assistant, added that the space was a reality check for her about the need to have a coping mechanism when everything becomes overwhelming. “This has started yielding good results for me in my personal and work life" she added.

This initiative shows TYW’s commitment to supporting the mental health of its team, acknowledging that sustainable activism requires not only passion and dedication but also well-being and intentional self-care. This, we believe could have a positive impact on our work with and for women and girls.