Stigma and Drug Use from a Gender Perspective
Stigma is a social phenomenon that manifests across different areas of life—social, institutional, and political—affecting stigmatised individuals, groups, and communities. Under the COPOLAD III programme, particular attention is given to the impact of stigma on women who use drugs.
These women often face double stigmatisation, resulting from the intersection of gender and drug use. Gender stereotypes and prejudice can lead to social exclusion, discrimination, and isolation, severely limiting their access to healthcare, treatment, harm reduction services and social inclusion. This, in turn, negatively affects their health and overall wellbeing.
Objectives
Provide support to participating institutions from Latin American countries in drafting a Policy Paper that highlights the impact of stigma on people who use drugs, with a special focus on women.
Raise awareness and support members of the COPOLAD III working group in integrating stigma as a key area of work within public policy frameworks.
Analyse the context of participating countries in relation to the perception and current state of stigma.
