This Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) side event — is organised by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), in partnership with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and the Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe and with the support of Canada, Italy and Sweden.
It aims to take stock of the work carried out by each partner over the years, to foster dialogue and cooperation for the development of drug policies that incorporate a gender-responsive approach, recognising the diverse needs and experiences of those affected by drug use and addiction.
Increasing attention is being paid to the intersection between gender and drugs and several reports, guidelines and scientific articles have been published on the topic, which included gender and sex in their methods, discussions, and results. However, this dimension is still not systematically included, and the focus of gender discussions has remained primarily centred on women. More efforts should be made to incorporate existing standards and guidelines into national programmes, to encourage the inclusion of a gender perspective in the drug field.
The side event discussion will address key issues such as the integration of gender considerations in national drug policy frameworks and statistical information, existing requirements and standards for gender-responsive interventions, and trauma-informed approaches. Following the second symposium held in October 2024 in Lisbon on the margins of the Lisbon Addictions Conference, the main purpose of the side event is to discuss some of the key recommendations and requirements to move from theory to practice in incorporating a gender dimension in the drug field, moving towards a consensus on gender-responsive drug interventions in Europe and globally.
14.03.2025 | 11:30–12:30 CET
This is a hybrid meeting.
Venue: Room M3
or
Agenda
11:30 – 11:40 Opening remarks
- H.E. Ambassador Debora Lepre, Permanent Representative of Italy to the International Organizations in Vienna
- Mr. Leif Villadsen, UNICRI Acting Director
11:40 – 11:50 Overview of existing requirements and standards for gender responsive interventions in the drug field
- Ms. Alessandra Liquori, UNICRI Programme Officer
11:50 – 12:00 Implementing a gender approach in drug policies
- Ms. Elena Hedoux, Deputy to the Executive Secretary of the Pompidou Group, Council of Europe
12:00 – 12:10 Gender in the drug field: research and monitoring for action
- Prof. Nuria Romo Avilés, Dept. of Anthropology, University Institute for Women and Gender Studies, University of Granada, Spain
12:10 – 12:20 Towards a consensus on gender-based approaches in the drug field
- Mr. Danilo Ballotta, Principal Policy Analyst, Coordinator for institutional relations, European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA)
- Ms. Linda Montanari, Principal Scientist- Health and social responses, European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA)
12:20 – 12:30 Q&A and meeting wrap-up