Health and well-being of women substance users need safest spaces in Pakistan

Abstract

In Pakistan, the situation of drug usage among women is not any different, and barely one in five of them has access to health care, lacking space for women substance users. This study addresses the current situation of women's substance use and impact on the health and well-being. The data was collected via interviews with 8 women substance users over the age of 18 years and analyzed by identifying key concepts and categories. Findings showed that Substance use is a taboo and sensitive issue for women. Having substance use stigma produces intense emotions of shame and guilt. As a result, the health and well-being of Pakistani women are severely compromised with lack of access to safe and supportive healthcare services. Keeping in view Sustainable Goals: Gender Equality and Good Health, there is a dire urgent need for women-friendly harm reduction programs that address the unique circumstances and vulnerabilities of female substance users including preventive and rehabilitative treatments, empowerment programs that give women more autonomy over their lives, legal aid services, education, and other forms of assistance through connections with the state and vocational training in access to women's health facilities.