On this International Women’s Day 2022, WHRIN draws attention to the lives of women who
use drugs who are affected by humanitarian crises created by the war on drugs as well as those precipitated by military invasions globally.
Women and gender non-binary people who use drugs invariably experience elevated risks and hardships in situations of conflict, natural disaster and pandemics. These include disruption of safety, health and well-being. The ongoing characterisation as a “disgrace to the society” or “irresponsible mothers, daughters, wives” is often co-opted into the narrative of conflict.
Discrimination becomes more extreme and harmful during humanitarian crises. Experience demonstrates that when social fabric is stressed, the marginalisation of women who use drugs becomes exaggerated, increasing risk of sexual and gender based violence, poverty and homelessness as well as dislocation from existing services. Political will falls short of identifying and preparing for these outcomes.
