Perspectives on Drug Use and the Effects of Punitive Policies on Women

Charne Roberts, the Advocacy and Engagement Officer of the South African Network of People Who Use Drugs (SANPUD), delves into the human rights violations experienced by women who use drugs. She highlights the urgent need for decriminalisation to empower these women and end gender-based violence. By exploring practical ways to involve these women in policy design, Roberts calls for policies that put people first and bring us closer to ending gender-based violence.
​
Decriminalising drugs provides an opportunity to address drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal one, and by shifting the focus from punishment to support, we can create an environment where individuals are likely to seek help, treatment, and harm reduction services without fear of legal repercussions.

---

Read More