Organised by the EPA Section on Women, Gender and Mental Health. There is increasing evidence that gender shapes the prevalence, clinical presentation, and social and physical consequences of mental illness as well as patient needs. In recent surveys, reviewed by the first speaker, mental health practitioners have identified a lack of knowledge and skills in women’s mental health and the need for specific training. Due to greater exposure to psychosocial risks, including social and material deprivation, some women from black, asian and other minority ethnic groups are at an increased risk of mental illness, but may face barriers to accessing mental health care and cultural stereotypes by mental health professionals. The second speaker will present research from her own and other groups to outline how awareness of these issues can improve patient experience. The third speaker will present results from her qualitative research of how women with postpartum affective psychosis perceived their mental health care and report appropriate training of mental health professionals and the need for specialist care as important themes. The fourth presentation will discuss evidence suggesting that it is important for general adult psychiatrists to have specific skills and knowledge in reproductive counselling for women with severe mental illness and outline specific areas to be included in psychiatric training. In the last presentation the speaker will describe, based on a successful project in the UK and Ireland, the plan, necessary steps and successful ingredients for the development of a comprehensive programme that could be applied to improving training for mental health professionals in women’s mental health.