Punitive Drug Laws Disproportionately Affect Women. It’s Time for Gender-Responsive Policies

March 24, 2016

The Impact of Drug Policies on Women (March 17, 2016)

Punitive drug laws pose a heavy burden on women and, in turn, on the children for whom women are often the principal caregivers. Across the globe, women are the fastest growing population in jails and prisons. Women who use drugs are often subjected to disproportionate levels of gender based violence, and many criminal networks that dominate drug markets in Latin America use violence against women to assert control. There is now an emerging body of research outlining a convincing case for gender-responsive drug policies that promote the health and rights of women, particularly those who are most marginalized.

The UN General Assembly Special Session on drugs scheduled for April 2016 is an opportunity to draw attention to the urgent need for gender-sensitive drug policy and programs, and to secure commitments from UN member states to do better.

Listen to a recent panel exploring the gender dimension of drug policy and law above.

Topics

Access to Medicines, Criminal Justice, Discrimination, Drug Policy Reform, Harm Reduction, Rule of Law, Women’s Rights

Harm Reduction for All

A Lifesaving Loan: A New Investment to Help Curb the U.S. Overdose Crisis

For over a decade, the small Remedy Alliance nonprofit has revolutionized providing lifesaving healthcare for people who use drugs. Our new investment will help the group increase access to the overdose antidote naloxone.

December 12, 2023 | Sarah Evans & Georgia Levenson Keohane

WAR IS OVER?

How the United States Fueled a Global Drug War, and Why It Must End

As U.S. domestic drug policy reform gains momentum, it is time the United States makes a concerted effort to de-escalate the failed war on drugs elsewhere.

June 29, 2021 | Ann Fordham

EVENT RECAP

How Can We Help the Children of Incarcerated Parents?

Some of the most neglected victims of the war on drugs are the families and children of those who are incarcerated because of nonviolent drug offenses. A new report outlines the problem and presents research-driven solutions.

March 3, 2020

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