Gender-related challenges of providing mental health support to children in Pakistan

Children in Global South resource-constrained settings face several barriers to mental health support. These may be compounded by gender-related sociocultural influences. The aim of this study was to capture children’s and adults’ experiences and perspectives on challenges for their mental health and support. Focus group discussions involved 80 children 14–18 years, ten parents, seven residential caregivers and seven teachers. Data were subjected to reflexive organic thematic analysis. Children experienced adverse mental health impact when education and residential care did not take into consideration their emotional needs and they could not easily access related support. Girls faced additional challenges because of sociocultural stereotypes and expectations, harassment and discrimination, that deprived them of opportunities for social growth, education and fulfilment of potential. In conclusion, children’s mental health needs should be addressed through multi-modal psychosocial programmes, holistic care, child-centric environments and staff training that integrate gender-responsive approaches to reduce inequalities.