IJMRR - International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews
Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Rev.
DOI Prefix: 10.56815
I J M R R
Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Rev.

International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews

Peer Reviewed | Multidisciplinary | UGC Aligned | C | O | P | E Ethical Standard

ISSN: 2945-3135 | Digital Archiving | CrossRef Member
IJMRR - International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews

International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews

Peer Reviewed · Multidisciplinary · UGC Aligned · C | O | P | E Ethical Standard

ISSN: 2945-3135 | Digital Archiving | CrossRef Member
DOI DOI Prefix: 10.56815
Vol. 2026 No. 10: 2026 (2026)

Access and Utilization of Mental Health Services by Women in Assam: Socio-Legal Barriers and Opportunities

Benzir Zaman

This article examines the multifaceted barriers and emerging opportunities affecting women's access to and use of mental health services in Assam, India. Despite legal advancements such as the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, women in Assam continue to face significant challenges rooted in patriarchal norms, persistent stigma, economic dependence, and inadequate legal literacy. The state's unique socio-cultural and geographical context, compounded by ethnic diversity and periodic conflict, further exacerbates these obstacles, resulting in pronounced underutilization of formal mental health services by women. Through a critical analysis of Assam's mental health infrastructure, human resource distribution, and policy implementation, the article highlights the insufficiency of current systems to meet women's specific needs. It also explores the transformative role of non-governmental organizations, community-based initiatives, and legal awareness campaigns in bridging these gaps. Case studies vividly illustrate the lived experiences of Assamese women, underscoring both individual resilience and the urgent need for culturally sensitive, gender-responsive interventions. The article concludes with concrete recommendations to strengthen primary mental health care, enhance community engagement, improve legal literacy, and foster intersectoral collaboration. By placing women’s voices and experiences at the center, this study advocates for a holistic, rights-based approach to mental health reform in Assam, aiming to inform policy, practice, and future research. 

Keywords:
Assam Women’s Mental Health Socio-Legal Barriers Access to Care Gender India