The experience of migrant mothers of African origin in Spain: A human rights-based approach to mental health

Abstract

Migrant mothers of African origin (MMAO) face multiple situations of vulnerability in receiving societies, with implications for their right to the highest level of mental health. This study examines the intersecting social determinants that shape the experiences of suffering and well-being expressed by MMAO engaged in transnational motherhood in southern Spain. Sixteen MMAO users of the Spanish Red Cross participated in individual interviews and photovoice-based group sessions. The qualitative results show the existence of an interconnected web of six key human rights that are often violated, which impact the mental health of the MMAO. Specifically, MMAO frequently refer to their rights to (a) legal status, (b) access to decent work, (c) family reunification with their children, (d) enjoying supportive social networks in terms of transnational relationships as well as relationships with other MMAO in the receiving society, (e) maintaining their cultural and spiritual roots, and (f) self-determination as a way to ensure their mental health. This proposal contributes to the literature by offering a human rights-based approach to the mental health of a population that is particularly sensitive to the intersectionality of oppression and by offering recommendations for ensuring the right to the mental health of MMAO in receiving societies.