International Women’s Day: Empowering women through addiction recovery and support

As part of activities commemorating International Women's Day, a half-day programme highlighting the resilience and contributions of women in drug addiction recovery was held, today in Bambous, at the joint initiative of the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) and Chrysalide Centre under the theme ‘Women in Addiction – Recovery, Service and Leadership’. The programme aimed to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by women affected by substance use, promote gender-responsive and trauma-informed approaches to treatment, reduce stigma surrounding women and addiction, and highlight the leadership and contributions of women in strengthening families and communities. The Chief Executive Officer of the NADC, Dr Fayzal Sulliman, the President of the Chrysalide Centre, Mr Stellio Prefumo, and other personalities were present on the occasion. In his address, Dr Sulliman lauded the courage of women undergoing rehabilitation for voluntarily seeking help despite the many challenges associated with drug addiction. He pointed out that the path to recovery is often long and difficult, noting that very few people, particularly women, have the determination to come forward for treatment. He also commended their leadership, stating that by taking the first step towards recovery, these women set an example that can encourage others facing similar struggles to seek support. Dr Sulliman further emphasised that the NADC’s goal is to eliminate discrimination against individuals struggling with drug dependency and to provide them with opportunities to rebuild their lives and live with dignity. He added that treatment approaches must be adapted to each person’s specific needs, noting that therapies such as methadone cannot be administered indiscriminately, as not all patients respond in the same way. For his part, Mr Prefumo spoke about the vital role of Chrysalide Centre in supporting women to rebuild their lives. He acknowledged that rehabilitation is a challenging and complex process requiring time, patience, and consistent support, as women must overcome both personal struggles and social barriers to achieve lasting recovery. He further stressed that once women complete their rehabilitation, it is essential to ensure they have access to stable housing, employment and proper guidance, which will enable them to care for themselves and their families successfully.

09 March 2026

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Topics: Gender