India:UNODC trains frontline workers on gender-sensitive responses to HIV and harm reduction

Kolkata, West Bengal, India/25 March 2025: Across the world, women and people who use drugs often live at the intersection of stigma, violence, and exclusion. Far from receiving support, many face heightened risks of gender-based violence and discrimination—making access to harm reduction services difficult. Addressing this urgent gap in care, UNODC works towards building gender-sensitive responses that are centered around dignity, safety, and inclusion.

In this direction, 30 frontline officials and service providers from India’s north-east region received a capacity boost with a two-day training on integrating gender-sensitive responses in harm reduction and HIV services. With hands-on engagement, the workshop empowered participants to tackle gender-based violence, break stigma and build safer, more inclusive support systems.

Facilitated by UNODC’s team of specialists—Dr. Monica Ciupagea, Expert on Drugs and HIV, Ms. Seema Joshi Arya, Criminal Justice Expert and Mr. Debasish Mukherjee, Consultant--the training offered a safe and engaging platform to delve into the intersection of gender-based violence and drug use.

Participants examined real-life case studies, identifying practical challenges and co-creating response strategies that could be implemented at the community level. A sense of solidarity was palpable—with facilitators and attendees alike emphasising the need for collective responsibility in dismantling barriers to care.

Discussions focused on legal safeguards, trauma-informed care and community-led solutions, with lived experiences of vulnerable groups shared and acknowledged. The training also enhanced participants’ understanding of gender-based violence and its impact and access to harm reduction and support services.

Participants left with concrete action plans to improve service accessibility in their regions, along with stronger peer networks for continued collaboration. Many also expressed renewed commitment to policy advocacy for gender-responsive and inclusive frameworks.

By equipping service providers with gender-responsive tools, UNODC is helping pave the way for safer, more inclusive harm reduction and HIV services. And for the communities they serve, that could mean the difference between being overlooked and being seen.