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It's about people: Mental health impacts of war on civilians and military personnel

Ekaterine Gamakharia, the head of Women Fund “Sukhumi” Tbilisi Office was privileged to represent Women Fund Sukhumi and civil society organizations as a panelist at a remarkable side event organized by Canada, Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation, and Ireland, Chair of the Human Dimension Committee. The event was dedicated to the crucial topic of „It's about people': Mental health impacts of war on civilians and military personnel.“

Among panelists were Mr. Oleksandr Klen, Clinical Psychologist at the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Dr. Julijana Stojanova, Deputy Head of the Human Resources Department, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of North Macedonia, Mr. Andrew Gardner, Deputy Head of Human Rights Departments, ODIHR, and Major-General March Bilodeau, Surgeon General in the Canadian Armed Forces.

In her speech Ekaterine Gamakharia emphasized the critical factors that inflict mental health problems on IDP women and girls in conflict-affected areas. I discussed the severe consequences of these challenges, shared the initiatives and work of Women Fund "Sukhumi," in tackling these issues, and provided recommendations for addressing these pressing concerns.

“I firmly believe that investing in the mental well-being of conflict-affected women and girls is not just a moral obligation or humanitarian duty but a crucial step for lasting peace and sustainable development,” – she said.

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