GWIHR stormed the Abia State Law Reform and Review Commission with a mission to shake up Nigeria’s drug policy landscape! Meeting with the dynamic Barrister Dave Kalu, Executive Secretary, we ignited a passionate discussion about transforming the lives of women who use and inject drugs among the most marginalized in Abia State. These women face crushing stigma, discrimination, and legal roadblocks that lock them out of healthcare and justice. It’s time for change, and we’re here to make it happen!
Our goal? To push for bold, evidence-based reforms that swap punishment for compassion, weaving public health, harm reduction, and human rights into Abia’s drug policies. We laid out a vision: policy amendments to prioritize treatment over prison, accessible rehab programs to curb HIV and overdose risks, and initiatives to shatter stigma for good. The energy in the room was electric Barrister Kalu was all in! He proposed a consultant to dissect the NDLEA Act and craft a game-changing Policy Brief, setting the stage for a massive stakeholder summit to adopt these reforms. This isn’t just talk it’s a movement toward justice and care!
The future is bright: a pilot harm reduction center, legal protections for drug users, and a stigma-busting campaign are on the horizon. Abia State is poised to lead the way, and with the Commission’s support, we’re charging toward a Nigeria where no one is left behind. Stay tuned this is just the beginning!


