In the run-up to the International Women’s Day, UNODC and UNWomen organized a special meeting to present the findings of the study ‘Women who use drugs in Northeast India’. The meeting brought together law and policy makers, activists, community groups, service providers and youth, all of whom emphasized the need for coordination between the various ministries to provide services and care for women who use drugs.
Highlighting some of the diverse and forward-looking comments made by the panelists, Ghazala Meenai, who represented the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, reflected on how drug use in the Northeast Region could be addressed by ensuring skills training for youth in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Dr. Rebecca Tavares, Representative, UN Women MCO, emphasised the areas required special attention according to the study. “UN Women is committed to helping take forward the recommendations related to social projects and the empowerment of women drug users,” she added. These include interventions linked to violence and sexual abuse, economic opportunities for women and capacity building for staff working with women who use drugs.