Meet Two Women Transforming Mental Healthcare in Africa

Women’s voices are essential in the fight against depression. Not only are women more likely to experience depression than men, but they also face greater barriers to accessing treatment. Women leaders in global mental health are critical to advancing access to mental healthcare for all.

When women have the right tools, opportunities, and support systems, they gain a greater sense of control over their lives—leading to lower rates of depression. Since its founding in 2013, StrongMinds has prioritized treating depression in women and empowering them to take charge of their mental health.

Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th, we asked two StrongMinds leaders—Charlotte Oloya, Deputy Country Director of Uganda and Sharon Birungi, Deputy Country Director of Zambia, to share their insights on women’s mental health, gender equality, and women’s leadership in global mental health.

Why Women Leaders Matter in Mental Health

As Deputy Country Directors, Oloya and Birungi oversee StrongMinds’ depression treatment programs, ensuring that mental health services reach those most in need. They focus on maintaining quality, driving innovation, and advocating for mental health inclusion in national policies.

“Women bring diverse perspectives,” said Oloya. “Empathy and innovative problem-solving approaches are qualities that are essential in leadership, especially in mental health.”

“Women are empaths,” added Birungi, “and they can inspire safe and secure environments for their colleagues.”She added, “When the women we serve see me in a leadership role, they feel hope. It reduces the stigma surrounding women and depression. They feel more comfortable and safe sharing their problems with other women.”

The Long-Term Impact of Women in Leadership

In Africa, where mental health remains highly stigmatized and underfunded, women leaders are critical in advocating for systemic change and ensuring policies address the unique mental health challenges women face.

“Having more women in leadership fosters a more inclusive, compassionate, and sustainable approach to decision-making,” said Oloya. She emphasized that women often prioritize collaboration, well-being, and long-term impact—especially crucial in mental health.

She referenced Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, who once said:

“Progress will come when we put power and money in the hands of those whose lives are most impacted by the denial of rights.”

Beyond policy influence, women leaders serve as role models. “Seeing successful women like Oprah Winfrey inspires young women to do more with their lives,” said Birungi.

Mental Health and Gender Equality: The Connection

Gender inequality is a power gap—and a lack of power can directly contribute to depression.

“Gender-based violence, wage gaps, and limited access to education and healthcare exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly for women,” said Oloya. Women facing discrimination are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, making gender equality a critical factor in improving mental health outcomes.

One solution? Group therapy. While most StrongMinds’ Clients have been women, tens of thousands of men also receive therapy each year, which these female leaders agree can help advance gender equity.

“It helps for men to see that sharing emotions is not just a woman’s thing,” said Birungi. “It also helps when women see men getting treated because they know that they are not weaker for being depressed—it happens to men too.”

Barriers Female Leaders Face

Despite progress, women in leadership still encounter unique challenges.

“Some people judge you—are you strong enough for this role?” said Birungi. “Where I come from, if you are in a leadership position, people assume it’s because you did some sort of favor or because your father got you the position. So, you are undermined.”

She also pointed out that women in leadership challenge traditional expectations of women as caregivers.

“You are seen as aggressive, that you are a pusher. Yet, because you are a woman, you feel like you have to do twice as much as a man to be respected.”

Balancing leadership with societal expectations can also be overwhelming. “The expectation to be ‘fully present’ at both work and home creates immense pressure,” added Oloya.

Celebrating Progress on Gender Equality

Despite these challenges, both Oloya and Birungi acknowledge the significant progress made in gender equality throughout their careers.

“The progress we have made gives encouragement to women and girls that we can do it as women,” said Birungi. “We are strong.”

“The momentum is growing, and I believe more women will continue to rise to top leadership positions across all sectors in Uganda,” concluded Oloya.