S1E8: Transforming Mental Health Norms in Kenya

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Social Norms Chat, Cäcilia sits down with Amisa Rashid, founder of the Nivishe Foundation, a grassroots organization working to make mental health care accessible, dignified, and culturally sensitive in Kenya—particularly for marginalized communities.Amisa shares the powerful story behind Nivishe’s founding, rooted in her personal experiences growing up in the Nubian community in Kibra. She discusses how lack of identification documents and systemic marginalization compound mental health challenges, and how Nivishe has stepped in to fill critical gaps through community-based, inclusive support.We explore the impact of the Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship, which decentralizes mental health advocacy by training young leaders to address issues within their own communities, using culturally relevant approaches. Amisa explains how social norms—especially religious interpretations of mental health—have shaped access to care, and how Nivishe strategically works in communities to shift perceptions and reduce stigma.From launching Kenya’s first youth-focused mental health comic book to preparing the first mental health policy brief for Nairobi County, Amisa discusses Nivishe's multi-layered approach to driving long-term change.Amisa reminds us that changing social norms takes time—and deep love for the work. It’s not about quick wins, but sustained impact over generations.🔗 Amisa's RecommendationsAmisa Rashid on LinkedInSocial Norms Chat📖 Use alongside the Transforming Social Norms ToolkitFollow us on LinkedInExecutive producer and host: Cäcilia RiedererSpecial guest: Amisa RashidProducer and writer: Dora EhrlichEditor: Tabusum Akter