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United Asian Network Hosts Powerful Women's Mental Health Forum, Creating Space for Honest Conversations on the Realities Behind the "Perfect Picture"

Nairobi, Kenya – Saturday, 25 July 2026

The United Asian Network (UAN) successfully hosted “Behind the Perfect Picture: Unfiltered & Unscripted – A Fireside Conversation for Women”, a women's mental health and wellbeing forum held at Ramgarhia Pangani Gurdwara Sahib on Saturday, 25 July 2026.

The intimate and thought-provoking forum brought together women from across different generations and professional backgrounds for an open and honest conversation on mental health, identity, caregiving, relationships, expectations, leadership, loneliness, and the quiet weight of holding everything together.

The event explored the realities behind the image of the "perfect life" and created a safe and supportive environment where women could reflect on the pressures they face, the roles they carry, and the importance of prioritising their own emotional and mental wellbeing.

The conversation was moderated by Harleen Kaur Jabbal, Psychologist and CEO of the United Asian Network, who guided the discussion through personal and thought-provoking questions that encouraged the panellists and audience to look beyond appearances and acknowledge the stories and experiences that often remain unseen.

The forum featured an inspiring panel of women representing psychology, healthcare, education, leadership, literature and community service:

  • Dr. Prashna Shah – Clinical Psychologist

  • Bansi Shah – Author

  • Fatima Alimohammed – Educator

  • Desiree Gomes – Communications Expert and UAN Board Member

  • Dr. Priyanka Chotai – CEO, Guru Nanak Ramgarhia Sikh Hospital

  • Jaskiran Kaur Seehra – Psychologist

Throughout the afternoon, the discussion highlighted several powerful messages: that women do not have to have everything figured out, that asking for help is a sign of strength rather than weakness, and that being strong does not mean carrying every burden alone.

The forum also challenged the pressure placed on women to maintain a "perfect picture" while balancing multiple identities and responsibilities—as daughters, wives, mothers, professionals, caregivers, leaders and members of their communities.

One of the central messages emerging from the conversation was simple but powerful:

Behind every perfect picture is a real story. You are not alone. Your story matters.

The forum was sponsored by CSI Insurance Brokers Ltd and APA Insurance Ltd, whose immediate commitment to supporting the initiative helped bring the vision of creating a dedicated space for women to openly discuss mental health and wellbeing to life.

The United Asian Network extends its heartfelt appreciation to the organisations and individuals whose partnership, support and generosity contributed to the success of the event.

East African Ramgarhia Board was recognised for generously providing the venue and supporting the event through décor, sound and catering, creating a welcoming environment for all participants.

Ramgarhia Youth Association provided invaluable behind-the-scenes assistance, helping ensure the smooth running of the event.

Guru Nanak Ramgarhia Sikh Hospital was acknowledged for its collaboration, partnership and continued support in bringing conversations around women's health and wellbeing to the forefront.

Asian Women Network was appreciated for its partnership and for helping to spread awareness and amplify the importance of women's mental health.

Razco Limited was thanked for its generous contribution of Lyons Maid and Enigma Ice Cream, adding a special and welcome touch to the afternoon.

Chandaria Industries was appreciated for supporting women's wellbeing through its generous contribution of free sanitary towels.

The United Asian Network also extended special appreciation to Mrs. Ravi Kaur Bansal of Green Fingers Kenya for her thoughtful donation of plants for the panellists. The gesture symbolised growth, care and appreciation and added a meaningful personal touch to the event.

Speaking on the importance of the forum, the United Asian Network emphasised the need to continue creating safe spaces where women can speak openly about their experiences without fear of judgement or stigma.

The event served as a reminder that conversations around women's mental health cannot be treated as isolated discussions, but must become part of broader community dialogue and action.

“Behind the Perfect Picture: Unfiltered & Unscripted” is only the beginning. The United Asian Network remains committed to creating platforms that encourage honest conversations, strengthen community connections, challenge stigma and promote emotional and mental wellbeing across all communities.

The organisation thanked everyone who attended and contributed to creating such a safe, meaningful and supportive space.

About United Asian Network

The United Asian Network (UAN) is a pan-Asian, non-political and non-religious platform committed to strengthening community engagement, economic connections, social harmony and Asian identity in Kenya. Through its four pillars—National Engagement, Economic Connector, Social Harmony and Asian Identity—UAN creates platforms that bring people together, encourage meaningful dialogue and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive society.

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