Socio-cultural Challenges Research Articles

Exploring Mentoring Strategies in Developing Christian Leadership Within the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Turkana Region, Kenya

This study examines the mentoring strategies used to develop Christian leadership within the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Turkana Region, Kenya. Mentoring, rooted in biblical principles such as discipleship, plays a vital role in shaping church leaders, particularly in regions like Turkana, which face socio-cultural and geographical challenges. The study identifies key mentoring models, including spiritual guidance, role modeling, and group mentoring, and assesses their effectiveness in leadership development. Challenges such as geographical isolation, limited educational resources, and cultural factors were also explored to understand their impact on mentoring practices. A descriptive survey design was utilized, targeting 143 church leaders within various PAG districts. Using stratified random sampling, a sample of 59 leaders participated in the study. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires and interviews, and the data were analyzed both quantitatively, using descriptive statistics, and qualitatively, through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that spiritual guidance and role modeling are highly valued as mentoring strategies. However, peer mentoring and social support were moderately recognized, suggesting underutilization in some leadership contexts. Notably, gaps in formal mentoring structures were identified, along with a limited understanding of more advanced mentoring techniques such as coaching and sponsorship. The study recommended the implementation of more structured and comprehensive mentoring frameworks, along with enhanced mentor training programs to address these gaps. By addressing these challenges, the PAG Church can improve its leadership development strategies, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and effective mentoring environment.

Analysis of the Factors Contributing to the Lagos State Public Housing Development Scheme Vandalism

The Lagos state government has expressed disapproval of the looting and vandalism of its housing scheme, which frequently results in delays in its housing delivery agenda and sustainability violations in its housing estates. This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to the persistent vandalism of public housing developments in the study area using a quantitative approach. It seeks to determine the order of importance of these factors and identify the underlying causes. The research strategy in this study involved adopting a quantitative approach to gather data on factors contributing to vandalism in public housing developments in Agbowa and Igbogbo towns, in Epe Local government area and Ikorodu Local government area, Lagos State respectively. Three hundred semi-structured questionnaires were distributed among the household heads in Agbowa and Igbogbo of Epe LGA and Ikorodu LGA respectively, with a 76% response rate. The data analysis involved the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank contributing factors and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to identify and validate the underlying significant factors. The RII ranked factors based on their perceived importance, highlighting unemployment, poverty, and insecurity as the most important factors contributing to vandalism. Subsequent EFA revealed three underlying factors—economic breakdown, societal challenges, and socio-cultural challenges—explaining 68.70% of the total variance. Factor rotation was applied to enhance interpretation accuracy, resulting in a clear structure of three components. The study confirms instrument reliability and validity through Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability calculations. Practical implications for policymakers and stakeholders in addressing housing infrastructure vandalism challenges are discussed.

Application of Islamic Teachings on Brotherhood to Ease Fuel Subsidy Removal Challenges Among Vulnerable Nigerians

This paper examines the application of Islamic teachings on brotherhood to ease fuel subsidy removal challenges among Nigerians. Drawing on Islamic texts and the existing literature on the role of brotherhood in alleviating socio-economic tensions, this research opens a new perspective for understanding how Islamic principles can be used to create a more just and equitable society. A qualitative research methodology was employed, and the data were gathered through a review of the related literature and a semi-structured interview with pertinent bodies, as well as content analysis for analyzing the data. The paper finds that, based on Islamic teachings, brotherhood is an essential element in cultivating a sense of solidarity and belonging amongst Nigerians. These feelings assist in lessening the effects of fuel subsidy removal and allow for a more comprehensive approach to tackling the resulting economic and socio-cultural challenges. Finally, the paper proposes a number of policy recommendations to utilize Islamic teachings of brotherhood to create a more equitable society in Nigeria

Culturally Responsive Artificial Intelligence – Problems, Challenges and Solutions

In the contemporary interconnected world, the concept of cultural responsibility occupies paramount importance. As the lines between nations become less distinct, it is incumbent upon individuals, communities, and institutions to assume the responsibility of safeguarding and valuing the landscape of diverse cultures that constitute our global society. This paper explores the socio-cultural and ethical challenges stemming from the implementation of AI algorithms and highlights the necessity for their culturally responsive development. It also offers recommendations on essential elements required to enhance AI systems’ adaptability to meet the demands of contemporary multicultural societies. The paper highlights the need for further multidisciplinary research to create AI models that effectively address these challenges. It also advocates the significance of AI enculturation and underlines the importance of regulatory measures to promote cultural responsibility in AI systems.

Limited Preparedness: Challenges during Desert Locust Management in Kenya

Desert locust invasions could lead to serious food insecurity. However, effective and efficient management of the pest is usually faced with a myriad of constraints. This study sought to determine the challenges that Kenya faced during the 2019-2021 Desert locust management operations. The study used a mixed methods approach using ex-post facto evaluation and cross-sectional survey designs. The target population included Desert locust affected persons. Multi-stage stratified and purposive sampling were used to target a sample size of 900 respondents drawn from 30 counties that were affected by Desert locusts. Structured questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGD) were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data that was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics as well as thematic review. The findings revealed that human resource and geographical challenges had 17% and 16% hindrance to Desert locust management, respectively. Technical and coordination challenges contributed 15% obstruction each; while financial limitations had 13% impediment. Political and sociocultural challenges contributed 12% hinderance each. The concludes that challenges during Desert locust management exacerbated human security risks from Desert locusts. The study recommends continuous capacity development through regular maintenance of equipment, continuous training of personnel and periodic update of preparedness plans.

HEALTH PROMOTION AS CATALYST: CHALLENGES AND COMPLEXITIES OF HEALTHCARE AMONG OLDER ASIAN IMMIGRANTS

Abstract Older adults are the most disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalized groups in the world. They often experience various challenges and complexities in navigating healthcare and other social care. Needless to say, these complexities are profound, especially, among older Asian immigrants in navigating healthcare and social care compared to other populations in the US. They often face various sociocultural challenges including structural barriers in search of proper healthcare and accessibility to care. The studies have shown older Asian immigrants are reluctant to seek or access needed care due to structural barriers poised against them. In addition, lack of cultural awareness and understanding by healthcare professionals further impedes accessing timely healthcare. Despite the complexities of healthcare navigation, health education and promotion play an important role as catalysts in disseminating health information relevant to healthcare and structural barriers to older Asian immigrants. Based on ecological framework, this presentation will showcase a holistic approach to health education intervention and promotion aimed to minimize complexities of healthcare navigation and structural barriers towards older Asian immigrants in the US.

DEMENTIA CARE IN ASIAN AND LATINO COMMUNITIES: PERSPECTIVES FROM FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND SERVICE PROFESSIONALS

Abstract While community-based support and services are increasingly available to family caregivers (FCGs) of a person with dementia (PWD), those from ethnic minority groups tend to be underserved. This study aimed to identify unaddressed challenges to dementia care and uncover strategies to better assist FCGs within Asian and Latino communities in Michigan. Focus group and individual interviews were conducted with service professionals (SPs) and FCGs. Specifically, we ran two focus groups with SPs (n=11), and one with Asian FCGs (n=8). Four individual telephone interviews were conducted with Latino FCGs. Sessions were audiotaped and conducted in the participants’ preferred language, then transcribed and translated into English for analysis. Shared challenges to dementia care included: transportation to services; lack of translation services and language-concordant specialists, daycare/respite workers, and in-home care staff; and feelings of shame in needing support. Latino FCGs reported the emotional burden of witnessing the cognitive decline of their PWD, whereas Asian FCGs focused on challenges related to the behaviors of PWD. SPs and FCGs expressed the desire for more education for FCGs on dementia and self-management of stress. Limited technology literacy impacted their access to digital education. Culturally informed outreach and intervention strategies were recommended, such as partnering with community leaders and adapting cultural practices (e.g., providing family-oriented events, and using social media popular among specific ethnic groups). This study highlights the sociocultural challenges and practical outreach approaches for FCGs in Asian and Latino communities by integrating the perspectives of FCGs and SPs involved in dementia care.

THE PROJECT OF THE UKRAINIAN CULTURAL FOUNDATION “UKRAINIAN LITERATURE IN COMICS”: IDEA, STRATEGIC GOALS, RESULTS

The article presents the results of the “Ukrainian Literature in Comics” project created with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. The authors of the project (project manager Nadiia Hrachova, author of scripts for the online catalog Olha Khodatska, and project creative designer Olena Cherkun) created a cultural-artistic product – an online catalog in Ukrainian and English versions, which highlights the plot of the Ukrainian historical era with the help of graphic visualization. 
 The results of the project “Ukrainian Literature in Comics,” which was done during two stages (2022 and 2023), represent a new interactive study of the Ukrainian written heritage of different periods, considering modern socio-cultural and ideological challenges. Among such challenges, the current one is the development of the motivation of the younger generation to read Ukrainian fiction, the development of the interest of children and adults in reading books by Ukrainian authors as a national treasure, popularization of the Ukrainian literary heritage as a factor of the national security, the creation of reliable interactive content for teachers-philologists, students, their parents, actually for all Ukrainians living in Ukraine and abroad. The result of the project is the creation of a cultural and artistic product for those who are interested in the Ukrainian language, literature, and culture. Furthermore, it will be included in the educational process to reformat the cultural narratives and meanings of Ukrainian society nowadays in Ukraine and abroad, where children-migrants from the temporarily occupied territories study. In the long term, this project is going to have a positive cultural and educational impact on strengthening the moral and spiritual state of Ukrainians, on the development of an individual who is able to care for the spiritual and cultural revival of the country in the post-war period, which will contribute to the unification of the world community against Russian military and cultural expansion as well.

The Religious Sign from a Semiotic Perspective a Social-Semiotic Interpretation of the Challenges Presented by the Concept of Religious Sign in the Context of French Schools

This essay explores the intricate challenges surrounding the concept of religious signs in the context of secular French schools through a social-semiotic lens, drawing inspiration from Michael Halliday's Systemic-Functional Linguistics. It delves into the interplay of language and society, shedding light on three crucial metafunctions: ideational, interpersonal, and textual. The ideational function investigates how religious signs serve as semiotic tools for representing the world and interpreting human experiences. The interpersonal function helps to examine how these signs foster reaction among diverse groups within the school community. Furthermore, the essay scrutinizes the textual function's role in weaving these two functions into coherent discourse, enabling (or not) effective communication. Through an examination of these linguistic components, this essay unravels the complexities of navigating religious signs in French schools, providing insights into the broader socio-cultural dynamics and challenges faced in reconciling diverse religious perspectives with a secular educational system.

UPDATING SOCIOCULTURAL ASPECT OF CONTENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Introduction. The article analyzes sociocultural conditionality of education content, considers the necessity of its enrichment with humanistic sociocultural values demanded in professional activity of a graduate in multicultural changing world.
 The purpose of the article is to conceptualize the world-view essence of the sociocultural discourse and its defining role in updating content of education as the necessary condition for bringing up a competent specialist.
 Objectives of the article are to analyse the problem of updating education content in the context of modern concepts of humanization; determine the essence and structure of the sociocultural aspect of professional training at a modern university; presentation of the conditions for updating the sociocultural aspect of the content of education in the activities of a university teacher.
 Methodology. In order to achieve the goal, we studied the concept of humanization of education with methodological instruments of social philosophy, anthropology, cultural studies, considering the increasing role of the value aspect in the content of education.
 Results. The scientific novelty of the article is in determining vector for updating the content of education and showing relevance of its sociocultural aspect for the first time in the context of interrelationship of global humanism, universal evolutionism and post-nonclassical rationality. The article reveals the worldview essence of the sociocultural aspect of the content of education and proves the importance to update it for both humanities and natural sciences. We also propose the structure of the sociocultural aspect and possible ways to renew it in the context of cultural science. Of practical importance are the conditions outlined in the study for updating the content of education, a special place among which belongs to the teacher’s ability to reflect on its hidden component as a significant channel for transmitting sociocultural humanistic values. Conclusion. Education that meets sociocultural challenges of changing world by updating its content serves as an indicator of the quality of professional training at universities, ensures bringing up socioculturally competent specialists capable of resolving contradictions in the modern world and ready to maintain its sustainable development.

Components of hostility and discrimination in cardiology.

The Gender-Diverse (TGD) population in Mexico faces significant health challenges, such as limited access to healthcare and a prevalence of adverse conditions. Cardiology is crucial for this population due to a high prevalence of risk factors and cardiovascular diseases. Despite a lack of precise data, it is estimated that 0.5-1.5% of the population identifies as TGD. They encounter sociocultural challenges, including discrimination and stigma, contributing to health issues and a lack of treatment access. Cardiovascular risk factors, hormone self-administration, and barriers to healthcare access are prominent concerns. Opportunities for improvement involve strengthening medical education, implementing inclusive policies, and promoting research and data collection. The development of specific clinical guidelines and inclusive health programs is suggested. The theory of minority stress emphasizes addressing chronic psychosocial stressors and recognizing the influence of stress factors on health. Integrating healthcare services for all populations in cardiology and fostering resilience are key strategies. In summary, a comprehensive approach is needed to reduce disparities in cardiac care and enhance the health of all populations in Mexico.

An exploratory study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward HPV associated anal cancer among Pakistani population.

Anal cancer, mainly attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is rising in prevalence among the general population in Pakistan. This study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards anal cancer screening and HPV of the general population in Pakistan. We surveyed anal cancer KAP using social media and snowball sampling from December 2022 to May 2023. The questionnaire had 16 knowledge, 12 attitudes, 6 practice questions, and socio-demographic variables. We applied validity criteria for inclusion and exclusion and used cutoffs ≥50% for each KAP category. We analyzed data in R with Guttman's λ2 for reliability, did univariate and bivariate analysis, and reported frequencies, percentages, p-values, coefficients, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals. We surveyed 1620 people and discovered low awareness of HPV and anal cancer causes prevention, and screening (11%-24%), high stigma and embarrassment for screening (54%-70%), strong moral beliefs (89%), condom nonuse (91%), and low engagement in health services and programs (9.1%-14%). Knowledge (75.23%, OR = 1.0984, p = 0.05) was shaped by socio-demographic factors, attitude, and practice, with higher education enhancing knowledge (OR = 1.0984, p = 0.05). Attitude (78.45%, OR = 6.6052, p< 0.001) was influenced by socio-demographic factors, practice, and knowledge as well. Younger females, single, unemployed, students, living with more family members, earning more income, and residing in Islamabad had a more positive attitude (ORs from 1.0115 to 6.6052, p< 0.05), while religion did not affect attitude (p = 0.51). Practice (9.16%, OR = 0.1820, p< 0.001) was determined by socio-demographic factors, knowledge, and attitude. Older males, employed teachers, living with more family members, earning less income, and residing in Islamabad had better practice (ORs from 0.1323 to 3.8431, p< 0.05), but marital status and religion did not influence practice (p > 0.05). Pakistani young adults need more education, awareness, health services, and programs on HPV and anal cancer, as they have low awareness, high stigma, and socio-cultural challenges. In addition, it is recommended for more research and policy initiatives are needed to address socio-cultural factors and increase anal Pap to overcome anal cancer.

Palani Jharna (Waterfall): Host-Guest Perspectives of an Off-beat Rural Tourist Destination in Jharkhand, India

The article attempts to examine the non-perennial Palani Waterfall (Jharna), which is located in the Patratu Block (Palani Village), in the Ramgarh District, in the Indian state of Jharkhand. The study aims to investigate the main socio-cultural challenges that must be overcome through better tourist planning in order to promote rural and eco-tourism in the selected site and protect the eco-cultural destination. In recent years, a crucial tool for guaranteeing the sustainability of tourist sites has emerged: an assessment and monitoring of tourism impacts combined with community perspective. The current study intends to examine the viewpoints of the local population at Palani, a developing tourist destination in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, on the effects of tourism and their involvement in the process of tourism development. To achieve the study's goals, a non-probability convenience sampling method was employed. Our data shows that tourism is typically regarded as a sector that fosters development. Its advantages are more commonly accepted than its disadvantages since it increases household income, boosts local reputation, generates employment possibilities, and promotes the standard of living for indigenous people. Despite the fact that a sizable portion of tourists to the area think that tourism services are still in their infancy, the location has the potential to become more well-known. The study anticipates that the results will be helpful to the tourism industry, planning organisations, business community, ethnic minority organisations, and academic institutions in order to plan, manage, and develop rural and ecotourism. Keywords: Rural-Tourism, Host-Guest perception, Tourism experience, Palani Waterfall, Jharkhand.

Service and Care in the Johannine and Akan Conceptual Schemas: Inculturation Hermeneutics

The Johannine and Akan ideologies pertaining to communal existence place significant emphasis on the cultivation of values such as reciprocal service and care. Nevertheless, upon careful examination of the Akan conceptual framework, it becomes apparent that these principles are espoused and upheld due to Akan belief in the indispensable nature of interdependence of human beings. This belief stems from their recognition of the inherent insufficiency of the human being which consequently gives rise to imperfect expressions of service and nurturing. Thus, the study aims to provide a biblical response to these challenges by employing Ukpong’s inculturation hermeneutics. This approach presents a framework for interpretation that enables an exploration of sociocultural matters in a manner that not only enhances the comprehension of the biblical text but also permits the text to function as a discerning evaluation of the Akan culture and propose possible remedies for its sociocultural challenges. The findings reveal that the Akan concepts foster a form of reciprocal care that is propelled by individual motivations and also service that is incentivised by rewards. Consequently, this paper proposes that the Akan believers must emulate the servanthood of Jesus and see reciprocal care as a response to divine instruction. This pursuit should be undertaken with the intention of fostering a sense of familial unity, rather than with the anticipation of receiving equivalent treatment in return. This article makes a valuable contribution to the field of African Biblical Hermeneutics and the ongoing discourse surrounding the integration of the New Testament into the African cultural framework. Keywords: Inculturation Hermeneutics, Johannine Concept of Service and Care, Akan Proverbs

Decolonizing the curricula of an English teacher preparation program: An exploration of U.S. short stories in the Global South

AbstractLiterature in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts is used for language development and intercultural understanding. However, the role of literature, specifically short stories (SSs), in shaping cultural representations of the U.S. in EFL teacher preparation programs (TPPs) remains unclear. This study examines how U.S. SSs in an English TPP in Argentina portray sociocultural and racial groups and challenge colonial worldviews. Through critical discourse analysis, 21 SSs were analysed. The findings revealed that the curriculum prioritizes white dominant groups. Although there are few stories featuring people of colour and less privileged white individuals, the overall selection of SSs collectively creates a limited and outdated portrayal of U.S. society. To avoid misinterpretations, it is essential to provide additional context and contemporary stories to accurately reflect the diverse cultural landscape of the U.S., thereby challenging dominant narratives.

Global priority for the care of orphans and other vulnerable children: transcending problem definition challenges

BackgroundTens of millions of children lack adequate care, many having been separated from or lost one or both parents. Despite the problem’s severity and its impact on a child’s lifelong health and wellbeing, the care of vulnerable children—which includes strengthening the care of children within families, preventing unnecessary family separation, and ensuring quality care alternatives when reunification with the biological parents is not possible or appropriate—is a low global priority. This analysis investigates factors shaping the inadequate global prioritization of the care of vulnerable children. Specifically, the analysis focuses on factors internal to the global policy community addressing children’s care, including how they understand, govern, and communicate the problem.MethodsDrawing on agenda setting scholarship, we triangulated among several sources of data, including 32 interviews with experts, as well as documents including peer-reviewed literature and organizational reports. We undertook a thematic analysis of the data, using these to create a historical narrative on efforts to address children’s care, and specifically childcare reform.ResultsDivisive disagreements on the definition and legitimacy of deinstitutionalization—a care reform strategy that replaces institution-based care with family-based care—may be hindering priority for children’s care. Multiple factors have shaped these disagreements: a contradictory evidence base on the scope of the problem and solutions, divergent experiences between former Soviet bloc and other countries, socio-cultural and legal challenges in introducing formal alternative care arrangements, commercial interests that perpetuate support for residential facilities, as well as the sometimes conflicting views of impacted children, families, and the disability community. These disagreements have led to considerable governance and positioning difficulties, which have complicated efforts to coordinate initiatives, precluded the emergence of leadership that proponents universally trust, hampered the engagement of potential allies, and challenged efforts to secure funding and convince policymakers to act.ConclusionIn order to potentially become a more potent force for advancing global priority, children’s care proponents within international organizations, donor agencies, and non-governmental agencies working across countries will need to better manage their disagreements around deinstitutionalization as a care reform strategy.

Path Analysis of Effects of First-Generation Status on Physical Activity and 4-Year College Degree Completion

ABSTRACT Purpose First-generation college students (FGCS) face a myriad of sociocultural, financial, and emotional challenges that impact their educational journey. With less academic capital and lower odds of obtaining a bachelor’s degree than their non-FGCS peers, understanding the factors affecting their academic success is pivotal for social work professionals aiming to provide tailored interventions and support systems. This study delved into the potential differences between these groups concerning physical activities, which are linked to learning, cognition, and overall well-being, and evaluated their influence on degree completion. Method A path model was developed to analyze the relationship between degree completion, physical activities, FGCS status, and background variables, using a sample of 1,625 participants. Results The model showed a strong fit (CFI = 0.979, RMSEA = 0.055, SRMR = 0.010) and accounted for 29.5% of the variance in degree completion. Walking to school was positively associated with degree attainment. FGCS status was associated with decreased walking to school, reduced degree completion, and increased walking for exercise. An indirect effect suggested that FGCS were less likely to achieve their degree, potentially due to a greater reliance on transportation like buses or cars. Discussion The findings emphasize the critical role of campus resources for FGCS. Enhancing access to fitness centers and offering affordable housing options nearer to campus may aid FGCSs’ academic success. These insights can guide social work practices, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in the academic experiences of FGCS.

A Middle Eastern style of mediatization of politics and conflicts: Were regional-domestic intersections considered?

This article examines the extent to which mediatization, as a western-centric metatheory central to an understanding of how the media logic comes to influence the political logic, applies to the study of non-western case studies. Considering the case of the 2006 Palestinian internal conflict (the split), the article examines the role of pan-Arab transnational satellite TV (PTSTV) journalism in covering the conflict’s trajectories. Building on primary qualitative data, gathered via semi-structured interviews with prominent stakeholders/insiders in the two parties and relevant sectors of news media and politics, the article explores the interplay between regional and Palestinian politics, evident in PTSTV’s coverage, and shows how available western-centred theoretical paradigms that draw on mediatization – in examining mediatized conflicts – fell short in examining such interplay for contextual, structural and sociocultural challenges in PTSTV’s operating milieu. Alternatively, the study inductively explored this interplay, overcoming the aforesaid contextual challenges, and provided evidence on how, with the lack of democratic principles in PTSTV’s operational milieu, structural/internal characteristics in these channels interacted with peripheral/external dimensions in their milieu and adversely affected their cultural dimension (coverage). PTSTV produced escalatory journalism that disseminated inflammatory content within a politically fractured culture, exacerbating the conflict and expanding the gap between the two rivals. This inductive approach in tracing the interplay – and its concurrent bargaining process – revealed five pivotal characteristics in PTSTV performance that are unique to those postulated in mediatization. They stand in this article as an authentic theoretical contribution that facilitated the handling of analytical challenges in the case study.

A Trend Analysis of the Challenges of International Students Over 21 Years

International students leave their countries to pursue their educational goals in a different country and must adapt to succeed. However, they may face challenges when adapting to and learning a new culture. This study investigates the challenges common to international students in their host countries and summarizes the publishing trends. A literature search of peer-reviewed articles published in Scopus, Taylor &amp; Francis, EBSCO Host, Web of Science, Springer, PubMed, and Wiley Online over 21 years (2002–2022) was done for data collection. After the screening, a total of 175 articles were included in this review and analyzed with content analysis. The findings show that the top four destinations for international students (USA, UK, Australia, and Canada) produced the most articles about international students’ challenges. Additionally, most papers investigated more than one challenge, and sociocultural (82.9%) and academic challenges (82.3%) were the most researched, with language issues as the primary cause. The results also show no changes or improvement in the challenges of international students in 21 years, and areas such as psychological and economic challenges need more research. These challenges and other trends found in the articles are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.

Socio Cultural Challenges Faced by Transgender: A Study of Islamabad

This research investigates the socio-cultural challenges confronted by transgender individuals in Islamabad, offering a nuanced exploration of their lived experiences within the unique cultural context of Pakistan's capital. Through in depth interviews and thematic analysis, the study highlights the complex interplay of societal norms, cultural attitudes, and religious influences that shape the transgender experience in Islamabad. It unravels the multifaceted challenges faced by this marginalized community, emphasizing the intersectionality of factors such as class, ethnicity, and education. the research unveils a tapestry of transgender experiences, acknowledging the variability of obstacles encountered. The findings contribute not only to academic discourse but also inform policymakers and advocacy efforts aimed at fostering inclusivity and addressing the specific socio-cultural barriers faced by transgender individuals in Islamabad. Ultimately, this study endeavors to deepen understanding and promote positive societal change for a more equitable and supportive environment for the transgender community in the Pakistani capital.