Healing Together: Promoting Mental Wellbeing for Migrant Women

As part of the Women RISE WISH Project, the "Healing Together: Promoting Mental Wellbeing for Migrant Workers in Support Groups" workshop took place on June 29–30, bringing together community leaders from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, and Pakistan.

This two-day workshop addressed an urgent public health challenge: the prevalence of mild depression and anxiety symptoms among women migrants. Our research underscores the critical need for accessible, community-based mental health interventions in resource-limited settings. Support groups serve as an essential non-specialist approach, providing much-needed psychosocial support where formal mental health services are scarce.

Workshop Highlights:
 

• Understanding mental health fundamentals and the impact of migration-related stress

• Practical strategies for stress management, mindfulness, and emotional regulation

• Strengthening peer-led support groups to foster resilience and social connection

• Equipping community leaders with skills to provide initial mental health support and guide individuals to further resources

By empowering grassroots leaders, this initiative helps prevent mental health challenges from escalating, fosters a sense of belonging, and strengthens community networks.

Acknowledgments

A heartfelt thank you to Zohora Parveen, Kah Hoe Cheng , and Tharisini Siva for their invaluable expertise and guidance. Special appreciation to Health Equity Initiatives (HEI) for their continued contributions to the refugee mental health space and supporting this event.