Film series on people living with noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions: Hauwa’s story

Gender Based Violence and Mental Health: Hauwa’s lived experience in Nigeria

Hauwa, a mental health and human rights advocate from Nigeria, was sexually assaulted in 2013 and diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years later.

“We know what is best for us. That is why our needs, our choices, voices, and experiences have to be prioritized. We need to tell you what support looks like for us. We need to tell you what a system that is just and equal and fair looks like for us. We need to tell you what human rights respecting treatment looks like for us.”, as she calls upon policy-makers and health professionals.

Amid the complex and interconnected global health landscape, the meaningful engagement of people with lived experiences is increasingly becoming a mainstay. In light of the global epidemic of NCDs, the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and persisting health inequities, understanding the complex determinants of health conditions and upholding principles of respect, value and dignity are equally crucial.

Watch Hauwa’s story:

Read more about WHO's commitement to advancing the meaningful engagement of people living with NCDs and mental health conditions.