Evaluating Germany’s Mental Health Services for Refugee and Asylum-Seeking Women: A Critical Analysis of Gender, Equity and Access to Care

Abstract

Kavyasri Chandanala

Mental health is recognized as an increased concern component of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), particularly among populations exposed to conflicts, displacement, and gender-based violence. Refugee and asylum-seeking women represent one of the most vulnerable groups within Germany's healthcare system due to the intersection of forced migration, gender inequality, trauma, and socioeconomic disadvantage. Although Germany hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Europe and provides healthcare through a universal health insurance system, significant disparities remain in access to equitable and gender-responsive mental healthcare for refugee and asylum-seeking women (World Health Organization (WHO), 2022; United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 2024) [1,2]. These disparities have important implications for health equity, human rights, and the delivery of comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare.

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