A woman carries a baby on her back in a green fields around the city of Axum, Ethiopia.
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Mental health day

Mental health has taken centre stage in most organisations, especially after the Covid pandemic and the ensuing learning to live in a post-pandemic world.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated each year on October 10. It is a day to raise awareness of mental health issues and support people experiencing mental illness. It is also a perfect opportunity to address mental health as a whole. Today the public and private sectors unite in recognising and raising awareness about mental health issues. The day was first observed in 1999 by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The 2022 World mental health day theme is “Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority. This goal goes hand in hand with the United Nations’ third Sustainable Development Goal; good health and well-being. The UN came up with this goal to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. The fourth target of SDG 3 supports mental health and well-being.

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to encourage people with mental health issues to talk openly about their experiences, understand their rights, access support and services, and participate in support efforts. It is a time to acknowledge that people from all walks of life can be affected by mental illness — even people considered “normal” or “healthy” in society. In addition to increasing awareness about mental illness, World Mental Health Day raises funds for research into treatments and supports those living with mental illnesses.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. 

Mental health has become an increasingly important topic in recent years. Research shows that it’s not just something that affects the “mentally ill” — it can affect anyone at any age. The fact that we do not always recognise how much our lives are affected by our mental health is one of the reasons why this day is so important — it allows us to share stories about those affected by mental illness and learn how they manage their conditions.

There are many ways to get involved in celebrating this day. Consider volunteering with a local charity or hospital. Many offer opportunities for volunteers to participate in activities such as helping with fundraisers or organising community events for patients or clients.

We hope you will take the time to learn about mental health, share your knowledge and experiences with others, and support your friends and family struggling with mental health issues. Mental Health First Aid is a great way to learn about mental health in a fun and interactive way. It’s also an excellent opportunity to learn how you can help someone who is struggling with depression, stress, or any other mental-related illness.

Join us on October 10 as we celebrate World Mental Health Day!

International Women’s Day is a global event that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year’s theme, “DigitALL – Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” focuses on how technology can be used to promote gender equality and empower women and girls.

One of the key aspects of this theme is mitigating online violence against women and girls. The internet and social media platforms have provided new opportunities for women to connect, share information, and access resources. However, these platforms have also become a breeding ground for hate speech, harassment, and violence against women.

To mitigate online violence, it is important to raise awareness of the issue and provide support for victims. This includes creating safe spaces for women to report abuse and harassment, as well as implementing policies and technologies that can help to identify and prevent such behavior. Additionally, it is important to educate women and girls about their rights and how to protect themselves online.

Another important aspect of the “DigitALL” theme is bridging the gap in digital skills for women and girls. Women and girls are often at a disadvantage when it comes to access to technology and digital tools, which can limit their opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

To bridge this gap, it is essential to provide training and resources for women and girls to develop their digital skills. This includes providing access to computers and the internet, as well as training programs that teach basic computer skills, coding, and other technical skills. Additionally, it is important to create mentorship and networking opportunities for women in technology to connect and support one another.

Furthermore, increasing access to technology and digital tools for women and girls is crucial for achieving gender equality. This includes providing access to smartphones and the internet, as well as digital tools and applications that can help women and girls in their daily lives. For example, digital tools for financial management, health, and education can help women and girls to improve their economic status and access to resources.