Introduction

Mental health is a universal human experience, yet access to care and the manifestation of mental health conditions are profoundly shaped by gender. Societal norms, roles, and power dynamics create distinct vulnerabilities and protective factors for women, men, and gender-diverse individuals, influencing the types of mental health challenges they face, their ability to seek help, and the support systems available to them. From the disproportionate burden of certain disorders on women to the societal pressures impacting men's mental well-being, a gender-blind approach to mental health care risks missing critical nuances and perpetuating inequalities in access and outcomes. Recognizing these gendered dimensions is crucial for developing policies and interventions that are truly inclusive, effective, and responsive to the diverse mental health needs of all individuals. This essential training course focuses on Gender and Mental Health, equipping participants to champion holistic well-being.

This intensive training Course is meticulously designed to equip mental health professionals, public health practitioners, social workers, policymakers, gender equality advocates, and civil society organizations with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to integrate a gender perspective into mental health programming and service delivery. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how gender influences the epidemiology, presentation, and experience of mental health conditions, learn to conduct gender-sensitive mental health assessments, and explore strategies for designing and implementing equitable and accessible mental health interventions. The course will delve into topics such as gender-based violence and trauma, sexual and reproductive health's link to mental health, masculinities and mental health, intersectionality in mental health, and promoting gender-responsive mental health systems. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Gender and Mental Health, participants will be empowered to strengthen mental health services, reduce stigma, and foster environments that support the psychological well-being of all.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Mental Health Professionals (Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Counselors, Therapists)
• Public Health Practitioners and Professionals
• Social Workers and Case Managers
• Healthcare Providers (Doctors, Nurses, Community Health Workers)
• Policymakers and Government Officials (Health, Social Welfare, Gender Ministries)
• Gender Equality Advocates and Activists
• Civil Society Organizations focused on Health and Mental Health
• Researchers in Mental Health and Gender Studies
• Educators and School Counselors
• Humanitarian and Emergency Response Professionals

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of gender and its intersection with mental health.
• Analyze how gender norms, roles, and power dynamics influence mental health outcomes and disorders.
• Comprehend the epidemiology of common mental health conditions from a gender perspective.
• Learn to conduct gender-sensitive mental health assessments and diagnoses.
• Develop strategies for integrating gender into mental health policy, programming, and service delivery.
• Acquire knowledge of approaches to preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) as a determinant of mental health.
• Explore methods for addressing masculinities and men's mental health challenges.
• Identify and address the intersections of gender with other social determinants of mental health.
• Examine global best practices and successful case studies in gender-responsive mental health.
• Develop a practical action plan for integrating gender equity into their mental health-related work.
• Enhance communication skills for sensitive and inclusive mental health support.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Gender and Mental Health

• Defining mental health, mental illness, and well-being.
• Understanding gender as a social determinant of mental health.
• How gender roles and expectations shape mental health experiences and expressions.
• The impact of patriarchy, sexism, and gender-based discrimination on mental health.
• Introduction to the social and cultural construction of mental illness.

Module 2: Gendered Epidemiology of Mental Health Conditions

• Prevalence and manifestation of common mental health disorders by gender (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders).
• Explaining gender differences: biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors.
• Understanding help-seeking behaviors and barriers for different genders.
• The impact of stigma related to mental illness and gender.
• Data challenges in collecting gender-sensitive mental health statistics.

Module 3: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Trauma-Informed Mental Health Care

• The profound mental health consequences of all forms of GBV (sexual violence, intimate partner violence, forced marriage).
• Applying trauma-informed principles to mental health assessment and treatment.
• Recognizing symptoms of PTSD and complex trauma in different genders.
• Providing survivor-centered mental health support and counseling.
• Developing referral pathways for integrated GBV and mental health services.

Module 4: Masculinities and Men's Mental Health

• Exploring the impact of rigid masculine norms on men's mental health (e.g., suppression of emotions, help-seeking reluctance).
• Common mental health challenges for men (e.g., substance abuse, suicide, anger management).
• Strategies for engaging men in conversations about mental health.
• Promoting healthy masculinities and emotional literacy for boys and men.
• Addressing stigma and promoting diverse models of masculinity.

Module 5: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Mental Health

• The mental health impacts of reproductive health issues (e.g., infertility, pregnancy complications, abortion).
• Postpartum depression and other perinatal mental health concerns.
• The psychological effects of gender-based violence related to SRHR.
• Integrating mental health support into SRHR services.
• Addressing stigma surrounding SRHR and mental health.

Module 6: Intersectionality in Mental Health

• How intersecting identities (e.g., gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, class) create unique mental health disparities.
• Mental health needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and transgender youth.
• The impact of discrimination and marginalization on specific groups' mental well-being.
• Culturally competent and inclusive mental health care approaches.
• Addressing the mental health needs of migrant, refugee, and displaced populations.

Module 7: Gender-Responsive Mental Health Systems and Services

• Analyzing gender biases in mental health policy and planning.
• Ensuring equitable access to mental health services for all genders.
• Developing gender-sensitive training for mental health professionals.
• Promoting integrated care models that consider physical and mental health holistically.
• Advocacy for increased investment in gender-responsive mental health services.

Module 8: Community-Based and Prevention Approaches

• Strengthening community-based mental health initiatives with a gender lens.
• Promoting mental health literacy and reducing stigma at the community level.
• Peer support networks and self-help groups for diverse genders.
• Gender-sensitive mental health promotion campaigns.
• Early intervention strategies for children and adolescents.

Module 9: Current Issues, Research, and Future Directions

• The impact of digital technologies and social media on gender and mental health.
• Mental health in humanitarian emergencies and conflict-affected settings: a gender perspective.
• Research priorities in gender and mental health.
• Global mental health initiatives and their gender integration.
• Developing a personal/organizational commitment to advocating for gender equity in mental health.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training