On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25, the SPAIN MENTAL HEALTH Confederation launches the #NosotrasYesContamos campaign with the collaboration of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 fight against sexist violence at work, a situation that triggers significant psychological consequences for women.
The campaign includes a series of infographics and a video that show the various violence women experience in the workplace, such as sexual abuse and the wage gap.
These translate to sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, stress and even post-traumatic stress disorder.
Problems can also occur in relating to the people around you, generating isolation and loneliness.
Him Report on the “State of Human Rights in Mental Health, 2022”“, of the SPAIN MENTAL HEALTH Confederation, indicates that, in an increasingly competitive and demanding society, a toxic work environment is highly harmful to mental health and, among other effects, produces an increase in people turning to psychological consultations due to problems at work.
In this sense, The “Las invisibilis” survey, carried out in 2020 by Club Malasmadres among 94,182 women in Spain, revealed that 22% lose their job when they become mothers and almost four in ten say they have suffered direct discrimination in their company after having sons or daughters.
Besides sexual harassment This is perhaps the most obvious form of violence and ranges from lewd comments or jokes of a sexual nature, to non-consensual touching and physical sexual violence, including sending sexually explicit messages, or sexual advances in exchange for job improvements. or less threat of dismissal.
Second According to the latest Macrosurvey on violence against women 2019, carried out by the Government Delegation against gender violence, 40.4% of women in Spain have suffered sexual harassment at some point in your life; 17.3% of them, in the workplace.
Discrimination or harassment at work also occurs due to attempts at conciliation, or, for example, in the case of a request for discharge due to menstruation.
The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration reports that this withdrawal is a right recognized in 2023 and that since it came into force There were only 2,327 special situations of temporary disability resulting from disabling secondary menstruation.
Work overload It is another very common form of sexist violence, which triggers mental health problems.
Press until the woman can’t take it anymore and either she gets fired or leaves, voluntarily, due to overflow.
According to government data, in 2022, The gross monthly wage difference between men and women was 15.7%.
Lower wages and development opportunities, along with the additional family responsibilities they typically face, cause distress that leads to sickness absence due to depression or anxiety.
Added to this is that a lower income leads to lower economic capacity, lower pensions for older women and, consequently, an increased risk of poverty and with it, develop a mental health problem.
Poverty and economic inequality, in fact, are among the main risk factors for the development of mental health problems.
In relation to wage precariousness, l feminized jobswho have worse working conditions and wages.
Domestic work is the most feminized and where the most flagrant abusive situations occur, due to the greater vulnerability of women in this sector.
Triple discrimination
Unlike women who develop a mental health problem resulting from workplace violence, there are women with a mental health problem who are not even able to access work.
The SPAIN MENTAL HEALTH confederation explains what they suffer from triple discrimination: for being a woman, for having a disability and for carrying the stigma of having a mental health problem.
TO María Isabel García Peñapartner of Salud Mental Euskadi, the high unemployment rate among women with mental health problems, especially in rural areas, is striking.
“I consider this to be violence against women since it is discriminatory, reduces autonomy and the possibility of emancipation and can trigger anxiety, irritability or other more serious situations,” she underlines.
In this regard, García Peña recalls the importance of having a social network, trusted people to talk to and professionals who can help you.
Vanesa Solana, Member of ASCASAM, in Cantabria, she currently has a job, but, like her partner, she reports the additional difficulties that many women with mental health problems, like her, encounter in keeping or obtaining it.
“You can’t clearly say that you have a mental health problem because of the stigma and judgment of others,” she says.
Despite all the barriers, “it has taken years for women with mental health problems to make these situations visible and to claim our rights”, says García Peña, who celebrates that “progress is being made and more and more companies, organizations and associations mental problems health association movement that has plans for equality”.
What are some effective strategies for organizations to support women facing discrimination and promote mental well-being?
Interview: The Burden of Gender-Based Discrimination on Women’s Mental Health
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today at Time.news. On this significant occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we have the esteemed Dr. María I., a mental health expert and advocate against workplace discrimination, here with us to discuss a pressing issue—the impact of gender-based violence and discrimination on women’s mental health. Welcome, Dr. María I.
Dr. María I: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial day for us to address these issues that affect many women.
Editor: Absolutely. The SPAIN MENTAL HEALTH Confederation has recently launched the #NosotrasYesContamos campaign. Could you elaborate on its objectives and significance?
Dr. María I: The campaign aims to shine a light on the various forms of violence women face in the workplace, from sexual harassment to systemic wage gaps. By using infographics and videos, we’re sparking conversations about these issues, which can lead to profound psychological consequences, such as anxiety and depression.
Editor: Indeed, the statistics are alarming. The report you mentioned reveals that workplace violence can lead to serious mental health issues. Can you explain how these experiences translate into psychological consequences?
Dr. María I: Certainly. Women facing violence in their work environments often experience sleep disorders, heightened anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. The stress from these situations can also lead to isolation, impacting their social relationships. It affects not just mental well-being but overall quality of life.
Editor: The numbers are staggering. The “Las invisibilis” survey indicated that 22% of women lose their jobs upon becoming mothers. How does this contribute to their mental health struggles?
Dr. María I: This reflects systemic discrimination. Losing a job during such a pivotal moment can lead to feelings of worthlessness, anxiety about financial stability, and fears about the future. This kind of stress can exacerbate mental health issues, leading women to seek psychological support more frequently.
Editor: And what about the impacts of the wage gap you referenced? The disparity in gross monthly wages between men and women stands at 15.7%. How does this inequality affect not just current stress levels, but long-term mental health?
Dr. María I: The wage gap indeed creates an ongoing cycle of stress. Lower wages mean less economic security, which can lead to chronic stress and health issues over time, particularly as women age. In addition to typical mental health disorders, this can also increase the risk of poverty in older age, compounding these issues further.
Editor: It’s a vicious cycle indeed. One of the concerning statistics from the Macrosurvey stated that 40.4% of women have experienced sexual harassment, 17.3% of them in the workplace. How can workplaces better support victims of harassment?
Dr. María I: Workplaces must create a culture of zero tolerance towards violence and harassment. This includes comprehensive reporting mechanisms, training on recognizing and preventing discrimination, and mental health support tailored for victims. Providing safe spaces for women to voice their concerns is essential.
Editor: You mentioned a troubling concept of “triple discrimination” that some women face. Can you explain what that means?
Dr. María I: Triple discrimination refers to women who face barriers not only due to their gender but also because of disabilities and mental health issues. These women often struggle to access employment opportunities and support systems. It’s crucial we address these layered identities and their unique challenges in both policy and practice.
Editor: On a final note, what steps can individuals and organizations take to combat these forms of violence and support mental health effectively?
Dr. María I: Education and awareness are paramount. Individuals can advocate for better workplace practices, while organizations must enact policies that support mental well-being and equality. It’s essential to cultivate empathy and understanding within the workplace culture. Tools such as mental health days, counseling services, and workshops on gender sensitivity can make a huge difference.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. María I., for your invaluable insights on such a critical issue. Let’s hope the #NosotrasYesContamos campaign sparks the conversations needed to drive real change for women everywhere.
Dr. María I: Thank you for giving me this platform to discuss these vital issues. Together, we can work towards a future free from violence and discrimination.