A PSYCHOLOGICAL APPRAISAL OF GENDER INEQUALITY AND MENTAL HEALTH
Gender inequality has remained an area of reverberating interest for decades unend due to its multifaceted perspectives. It covers a wide range of themes ranging from the economic, the medical, the socio-cultural to the psychological. However, the interaction between gender inequality, mental health and psychological well being is often overlooked causing a dearth of research work in this very important area. Reoccurring themes like Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Women (VAW) as expressed in widowhood rites, spousal battering, consequences of infertility, rape, female trafficking expose women to severe psychological trauma. Additionally, there is evidence to show that women’s views are more likely to be devalued, women are less likely to occupy top positions in society, and women are more likely to be seen as irrational, emotional and unsuited for responsible positions, these indices of gender imbalance adversely affect mental health and contribute to the development of states of ill health. Bearing in mind that there is no health without mental health and in pursuance of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), this paper explains the concept of mental health, highlights some forms of gender inequality and discusses their possible psychological consequences. It is hoped that with the attainment of the MDGs, the negative expressions of gender inequality will not only be brought down but women’s attitude and reactions will create the necessary template for positive and enduring mental health.
