Improving the Mental Health of Girls and Women in Afghanistan: Evaluation of a Trauma-Informed Yoga

Afghan girls have experienced profound educational, social, and psychological losses under Taliban restrictions banning school, sports, and public life, increasing the risk for anxiety and poor quality of life. This study evaluated a 10-week virtual trauma-informed yoga program delivered via WhatsApp by the Global Local Athletic Movement (GLAM Girl) Afghanistan and instructed by an Afghan psychologist for 44 girls and women. Participants completed the GAD-7 anxiety scale and WHO-5 quality of life scale at three time points. Results from repeated measures ANOVAs showed statistically significant reductions in anxiety and improvements in quality of life, with greater attendance associated with larger gains. Anxiety levels decreased from severe to mild, and quality of life improved but remained low. Participants reported feeling calmer, more motivated, and eager for program continuation, highlighting the need for scalable, accessible mental health interventions under prolonged restriction.