High above the busy streets of Kabul, a hidden reality unfolds behind the steel gates of the women's mental health facility operated by the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS). Local residents refer to this place as Qala, or the fortress, but for the 104 women currently interned there, it is both a refuge and a prison. The facility represents one of the very few resources available for Afghan women suffering from mental health issues, yet it has become overcrowded, leaving many without a clear path to recovery.
Mariam, a 25-year-old woman, shares a difficult history of domestic abuse that led her into the center's care nine years ago. Stuck in a cycle of wanting to escape but having no safe return to her family, her story is a reflection of countless others. Her experience is heightened by the cultural restrictions placed on Afghan women, which require them to have a male guardian for many aspects of life, including seeking medical attention. Despite maintaining a bright disposition, Mariam is a prisoner of circumstance—an unwilling guest unable to leave due to the absence of a support system outside.
Habiba, another woman at the center, was left stranded when her husband remarrying resulted in her being abandoned. Her longing to reunite with her children underscores the emotional toll that separation in these patriarchal contexts inflicts. Just like Mariam, she is aware of societal expectations and fears that continue to trap her in this precarious situation.
Stories from Qala reflect a broader issue as mental health conditions soar in Afghanistan, predominantly among women who face alarming economic pressures and traumatic histories. According to Dr. Abdul Wali Utmanzai, a psychiatrist working with ARCS, a staggering 80% of his patients are young women facing difficulties linked to family issues. Many patients receive little to no visits, which speaks volumes about the abandoned lives in the facility.
An alarming trend has surfaced as the Taliban government maintains its commitment to providing health services, yet imposes restrictions on women that hinder their access to help. Reports indicate the mental health state among women is deteriorating, as statistics reveal approximately 68% of women surveyed experience severe mental health struggles.
As more women remain confined, the waiting list for admission grows. For instance, Zainab, a 16-year-old girl previously confined by her family, represents the young lives disrupted by circumstances beyond their control. Understanding her mental health challenges becomes increasingly urgent as her home life continues to stifle her freedom.
Life in Qala showcases a juxtaposition of hope and despair, with patients like Mariam embodying resilience amid their circumstances, yet their future remains uncertain. As the world watches the evolving situation in Afghanistan, it becomes paramount that the narratives of these women are heard, acknowledged, and ultimately acted upon to ensure they find their way back to a life filled with dignity and possibility.
