Equalising MHPSS Knowledge
Personal reflection from Sarah van der Walt
MHPSS and peacebuilding expert Sarah van der Walt urges the MHPSS field to rethink whose knowledge counts. She highlights the need to value diverse epistemic realities, centre lived experience, and create spaces where communities - not external experts -define mental health priorities, solutions, and change.
Structurally Equitable Knowledge in MHPSS
Sarah advocates for equitable collaboration by integrating on-the-ground perspectives on mental health (care and support) within interventions. In South Sudan and Colombia, she fosters consciousness and psychological safety to empower communities to lead projects, while identifying needs and developing solutions. This shifts collaboration from consultation to shared decision-making. For the future of MHPSS, Sara envisions regional knowledge hubs that decentralise expertise and promote structural and sustainable change.
Building More Inclusive MHPSS Collaboration Together
Her reflections were part of the ARQ symposium “Towards Equitable Collaboration in Global Mental Health,” where participants from the Global South and North explored ways to build fairer, more inclusive partnerships in MHPSS and global mental health.
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Follow us on LinkedIn to share your ideas, contribute your voice, and help shape the future of global mental health and MHPSS partnerships.
