Racism and Mental Health: A Qualitative Study with Humanitarian Workers

(2022-24)

​

Racism has been recognised as a social determinant of health and is increasingly understood as a global health issue, with profound implications for mental health. While some evidence exists regarding the prevalence of racism within humanitarian organisations, systematic research on this topic remains scarce, leaving considerable gaps in both data and knowledge. In particular, the link between perceived racism and mental health remains largely unexplored.

The project, "Racism and Mental Health: A Qualitative Study with Humanitarian Workers" (FKZ 01KA2215), sought to address these gaps by analysing the discourse on racism among humanitarian workers and exploring the psychosocial effects of perceived racism in the workplace. This qualitative study captured the voices of both national and international humanitarian workers based in Nairobi, Kenya, and Amman, Jordan, alongside in-house mental health professionals across the globe responsible for providing psychosocial support to staff. The project's ultimate goal was to raise awareness and support key stakeholders—humanitarian practitioners, academics, and donors—in taking informed, actionable steps to address racism within humanitarian organisations and improve the health and well-being of all staff.

Led by Dr. Hannah Strohmeier at the Center for Global Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, this interdisciplinary research project ran from October 2022 to December 2024. It was supported by the German Alliance for Global Health Research (GLOHRA) with funds from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

The documentary Colour is one of the primary outputs of the project. Additional outputs include the following publications:

​

Strohmeier, H., Karunakara, U., & Panter-Brick, C. (2024). Public discourse narratives: From ‘Secret Aid Worker’ discontent to shifting power in humanitarian systems. Disasters, 1-22. Link

​

Strohmeier, H., Musizvingoza, R., & Sajnani, N. (2024). Racial discrimination within United Nations offices in Geneva: Results from an online survey. PLoS ONE, 19(1), e0295715. Link

​​

Further manuscripts detailing the project's findings are currently in preparation and will be listed here upon publication. Academic articles from previous research projects on humanitarian staff health undertaken by Hannah include the following: 

​

Strohmeier, H. (2020). Humanitarian workers in South Sudan: Mental health, gender, and organisational staff support [Doctoral dissertation, Queen Margaret University Edinburgh], Queen Margaret University: Research Repositories. Link 

​

Strohmeier, H., & Panter-Brick, C. (2020). Living with transience in high-risk humanitarian spaces: The gendered experiences of international staff and policy implications for building resilience. Disasters, 46(1), 119-140. Link  

​

Strohmeier, H., Scholte, W., & Ager, A. (2019a). How to improve organisational staff support? Suggestions from humanitarian workers in South Sudan. Intervention, 17. Link 

​

Strohmeier, H., Scholte, W. F., & Ager, A. (2018). Factors associated with common mental health problems of humanitarian workers in South Sudan. PLoSONE, 13(10). Link

​

Strohmeier, H., & Scholte, W. F. (2015). Trauma-related mental health problems among national humanitarian staff: A systematic review of the literature. Eur J Psychotraumatol, 6, 28541. Link

​​​

​

​

​Navigating Injustice: Exploring Humanitarian Workers' Responses to Racism and their Effects on Workplace Well-being

(2025-26)

Following the completion of the above-mentioned research, Hannah has begun a follow-up project in January 2025 titled "Navigating Injustice: Exploring Humanitarian Workers' Responses to Racism and Their Impact on Workplace Well-being" (Az 10.24.2.006SO). This project, hosted by the Center for Global Health at Charité and funded by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, focuses on four interrelated questions: First, what options to respond to racism in the workplace do humanitarian workers have? Second, which options to respond to racism in the workplace do humanitarian workers choose? Third, what factors influence humanitarian workers’ responses to racism in the workplace? And fourth, how do humanitarian workers’ responses to racism impact workplace well-being and organisational climate? The project also includes funding for a second documentary. Stay tuned for updates on publications and the film, which will be shared here!

​​

​

​​​​

Interested in providing support?

​

If you are interested in providing support, here are three meaningful ways to get involved:

​

1. Help translate subtitles: We have prepared English subtitles for the documentary Colour and are now seeking funders or volunteers to help create subtitles in additional languages. By contributing to this effort, you will help make the film accessible to a global audience, removing language barriers.

2. Spread the word: If you find the documentary valuable, please share it within your networks. Word of mouth is essential in reaching a wider audience, and your recommendation can help bring the important topic of racism and mental health in the workplace to the attention of more people.

3. Support the research: Great research is only possible through people’s willingness to share their experiences. We would be happy to hear from you if your organisation, or you as an individual humanitarian worker, would like to support or participate in Hannah’s current project, "Navigating Injustice: Exploring Humanitarian Workers' Responses to Racism and Their Impact on Workplace Well-being."

​

To get involved, please reach out using the contact form at the end of this page. Thank you for considering these ways to make a difference!

​​