CIN, in partnership with Urgent Action Fund Asia and Pacific (UAF-AP), assessed the mental health of young women and non-binary activists in Sudhdhodhan, Rupandehi. The study found that 30 activists, mostly from Madhesi and Tharu communities, face serious mental health challenges such as anxiety, stress, burnout, and low self-esteem. These issues are linked to gender-based violence, stigma, family control, financial hardship, and activism-related stress, with little access to counseling or professional support. While peer networks provide some help, activists still face threats, criticism, and discrimination. The report highlights the urgent need for accessible mental health services, supportive policies, and training on self-care, stress management, and resilience to ensure sustainable activism. In deft interviews, focus group discussion, desk review, and validation workshop were conducted during the study.
