The Women’s Association for Victims’ Empowerment (WAVE), in collaboration with Alliance Française, hosted the Women 4 Women Dialogue on July 26, 2024, focusing on mental health awareness for victims of adversity.
The event brought together 32 participants from various women’s groups, encouraging open discussions on mental health issues that resonate deeply within their communities.
Opening the event, Mariam Jakeba Ceesay, from WAVE, expressed her gratitude to the attendees and emphasized the importance of addressing mental health challenges faced by women who have endured victimization.
She highlighted WAVE’s commitment to fostering mental health initiatives and requested feedback from participants regarding their expectations for WAVE’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services.
Participants from different regions shared their experiences.
A representative from Brikamaba noted an increase in community engagement following the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which has encouraged more victims to participate in meetings.
Attendees from Kerr Mot Ali praised WAVE’s outreach and support, while those from Foni expressed the need for expanded assistance due to underlying fears and societal pressures that silence many victims.
Jambanjelly’s participants highlighted a stark contrast between the 77 victims in their community and the few willing to speak out, often facing personal attacks for their openness.
Despite political divisions causing reluctance to unite in Makumbaya, the gathering aimed to promote open dialogue among victims. WAVE representatives assured participants of their commitment to addressing the challenges in their communities.
Mental health expert Ngaima Ceesay, known as the “Freeing Mind Doctor,” led interactive exercises to help participants reflect on their emotions. Through discussions and activities, such as selecting images that represented their feelings, participants opened up about their struggles. The emotional atmosphere intensified as they shared personal stories of adversity, loss, and resilience, revealing the deep scars left by past traumas.
Facilitating further connection, participants engaged in storytelling exercises where they took turns sharing their narratives in pairs, fostering empathy and understanding. This safe space provided an opportunity for vulnerability and healing, with participants expressing relief and validation after openly discussing their experiences.
The event culminated with a creative exercise where each participant was given materials to draw and write about their emotions, promoting a personal expression that can be integral to healing. As the session came to an end, participants left feeling empowered and united, knowing they were not alone in their struggles.
The Women 4 Women Dialogue served as a significant platform to elevate women’s voices, emphasize the importance of mental health, and reinforce community support systems for victims of trauma. WAVE continues to champion these vital conversations as a pillar of strength and resilience within their community 4 Women Dialogue: Empowering Voices Through Mental Health Awareness
