Steps against drug abuse among women discussed

Alliance between Women Development Department (WDD) and Drug Free Action Network (DFAN) forged

LAHORE:

An alliance between the Women Development Department (WDD) and the Drug Free Action Network (DFAN) was forged to address the menace of substance abuse among women and girls.

The session, chaired by Women Development Department Secretary Sumaira Samad on Tuesday, aimed at devising practical measures to protect women and girls from falling prey to the scourge of drugs.

Representatives from the Women Development Department, including Hafiz Ubaidullah Zakria, Deputy Secretary Maria Javed with delegates from the Drug Advisory Training Hub, Syed Mohsin and Syed Zulfiqar participated in the session.

During the meeting, the programme officer of the Drug Advisory Training Hub briefed the participants about various types of addiction and highlighted alarming statistics regarding habitual female drug users in Punjab.

Expressing deep concern, the WDD secretary emphasised the urgent need to address this significant issue and stressed concerted efforts.

She directed the Drug Advisory Training Hub to collaborate with the team of the Women Development Department to formulate a comprehensive plan to disseminate information about available drugs and treatment options for addicted women and girls.

Furthermore, the secretary expressed interest in organising regular sessions in working women hostels across Punjab in collaboration with governmental universities where Women Development Centres have been established.

These sessions aim to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and provide support and guidance to vulnerable women and girls.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2024.