Serving women who use drugs in Delhi, India:Challenges and achievements

Enisha Sarin,  Elizabeth Selhore (2007) "Serving women who use drugs in Delhi, India:Challenges and achievements" International Journal of Drug Policy 19 (2008) 176–178

• Sharan and Sahara work with women drug users in Delhi who  have multiple issues such as health and relationship.  Is overdependance on the services that impedes successful transition back into life. Lack of variety of treatments - lack of mental health. NGO's have to take up entire continuum of care. Lack of funds also an issue.
• Both organisations have been committed to drug issue for several decades. Sharan mainly health services with focus on HIV prevention, Sahara (sister org) focuses on rehab for drug users and  hospice for infected HIV.
• They did a study of 35 women - almost all took smack. were driven by peer group, sexual activity spouse etc. Sex work in 25%. Most of hte women practiced unsafe sex.
• Drug treatment centres needed to be more flexible annd women focused to improve engagement and treatment. Need for space for children.
• From 3700 that were rehabilitated 40% found employment and 10% have been re-integrated into their families. Many trained in skills .
• Relapses often due to lonliness that compells them back to drug dependant partners.  Need for outreach services.
• Biggest issue for NGO is that they need to provide multidimensional solution to multidimensional problem however the funding bodies have limited understanding  and provide for only one or two components. Need to raise awareness amoung services providers, govt agencies, donor agencies to strategies and prioritise. Need a multi departament approach that includes departments of welfare, health, social justice, and empowerment and labour. Start could be engaging with other women organisations in housing, jobs, legal aid, mental health.