Online Reporter
Tanaka Nkala, Online Reporter
Zimpapers Pvt Ltd joined the rest of the world in marking International Women’s Month, with commemorations held in Bulawayo at the Chronicle building, where a strong call was made to address the growing mental health burden faced by women in Zimbabwe.
Speaking during the event, psychiatrist Dr Loveness Ndebele painted a stark picture of the realities confronting modern Zimbabwean women, highlighting a significant shift in traditional family roles.
She revealed that many women are now the primary providers, often supporting not only their children but also male partners and extended family members.
“In one out of every two families, women are now taking care of men financially,” she said.
“Some women are even responsible for providing basic needs such as airtime, food and housing.”
Dr Ndebele warned that this imbalance has placed an overwhelming mental and emotional strain on women, with research indicating that they carry up to 71 percent of the household mental load — including planning, decision-making and managing daily responsibilities.
She further explained that mental health challenges are not always visible, stressing that many women continue to function and appear “fine” while silently struggling.
“You can still go to work, dress well and perform, but mentally you are not okay,” she said.
According to her research, mental health exists on a spectrum from thriving to crisis, with many women only seeking help when they have reached breaking point.
The commemorations highlighted the need for increased awareness, stronger support systems and targeted interventions to address mental health challenges affecting women.
