The side event “Promoting Resilience, Mental Health, and Leadership Among Refugee Women” took place virtually March 20, 2025, at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). Bringing together global experts, youth leaders, and refugee advocates to spotlight the urgent need for mental health support and leadership opportunities for refugee women and girls. Organized by Aysan Jahankhah, a mental health counselor and social justice advocate from Teachers College, Columbia University, and co-sponsored by the International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP) and the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP), the event emphasized integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into humanitarian responses.
Speakers underscored the intersectional challenges faced by displaced women and called for culturally responsive, community-driven solutions. Dr. Judy Kuriansky highlighted the increasing recognition of mental health within global refugee frameworks and UN policies. Freshta Taeb, from the Global Emergency Response and Assistance (GERA), stressed the importance of refugee-led program design and the inclusion of mental health professionals in decision-making spaces. Other panelists discussed how cultivating resilience and leadership among refugee women not only supports healing but also builds stronger, more peaceful communities.
The event reinforced that empowering refugee women through mental health support and leadership development is not only a pathway to personal healing but a foundation for more resilient, inclusive, and peaceful societies.
Have a look at the event report below, as well as the recording!
