Kenya advocates for gender-sensitive drug policies at the 2025 CND meeting, promoting inclusive interventions for both men and women. Dr. Stephen Mairori highlights the need for targeted rehabilitation services for women due to the distinct challenges they face. Kenya has revised its National Drug Control Policy to better serve women’s needs and has initiated free rehabilitation services in Mombasa. The session underscored the importance of global partnerships in achieving equitable drug policies.
Kenya has emphasized the necessity of integrating gender-sensitive measures into drug policies to tackle the specific challenges encountered by both men and women. At the 2025 Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) meeting in Vienna, Dr. Stephen Mairori, the Board Chair and head of the Kenyan delegation, underscored the relevance of gender-responsive drug control interventions.
Dr. Mairori pointed out the differences in drug usage between genders, noting that women frequently experience more severe repercussions from substance abuse. He articulated the need for rehabilitation frameworks to evolve and provide better accessibility, ensuring they cater to women’s unique challenges.
He stated, “While men are more likely to use drugs, the impact of substance abuse is often more severe for women. This calls for targeted interventions, including the establishment of women-only rehabilitation centers that cater specifically to their unique needs, such as pregnancy, childcare, and safety concerns.”
In response to these challenges, Kenya has revised its National Drug Control Policy to incorporate gender-sensitive strategies. This updated policy recognizes the barriers faced by women in accessing treatment and introduces solutions to mitigate these hurdles. Dr. Mairori announced the initiation of free rehabilitation services for women at the Miritini Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa to enhance participation in treatment programs.
He remarked, “We recognize the low uptake of rehabilitation services among female drug users, and in response, we are offering free services at Miritini to remove financial barriers. Additionally, we are working closely with county governments and stakeholders to implement gender-specific prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs.”
Dr. Mairori emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and implementers to align national strategies with global best practices. He urged all nations to adhere to international recommendations regarding gender-sensitive drug policies and to strengthen collaborative efforts for improved program effectiveness.
The event, co-sponsored by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Norwegian government, provided a platform for experts to discuss effective solutions to gender disparities in drug policies.
Dr. Mairori concluded, “As we move forward, we must ensure no gender is left behind in our drug control efforts. Let us build networks, foster collaboration, and implement policies that truly address the diverse needs of all individuals affected by substance abuse,” reinforcing Kenya’s leadership in advocating for inclusive drug policies.
This event highlighted the critical need for global cooperation in developing drug policies that address the specific requirements of both men and women, thus promoting gender-sensitive approaches in drug control.
In conclusion, Kenya is actively promoting gender-sensitive drug policies by acknowledging the unique experiences of both genders affected by substance abuse. The incorporation of women-centric rehabilitation services and a revised National Drug Control Policy demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to inclusivity. Vital discussions at the CND meeting emphasized the necessity for global collaboration in making drug policies equitable and effective for all individuals.
Original Source: www.tv47.digital
