On September 25th, we commemorated and celebrated Recovery Month and Day. The WFAD Global Gender Committee hosted the Recovery Webinar – Celebrating Women in Recovery. The webinar highlighted personal stories as well as essential tips for treating women with SUD and best-practices on sensitised treatment.

The Webinar included the launch of an inspiring Recovery Movie produced by SWIPE. It shares the story of an empowered woman having found her voice, community, and courage to embark her recovery journey. The Movie received 1st place at the Recovery Street Film Festival. (article continues below)

We were also joined by H., who shared her own personal story of rehabilitation and recovery and how peer support, a strong recovery community, and offered supported housing supported her in her journey. Then we were joined by Rocio Suarez Ordoñez who shared the need for sensitised practices for women as many treatment centres are mixed. It is essential to receive feedback from the women in treatment, make a plan together with them to make them feel more committed and safe. Lastly, everything should be consistent in the services. It is important to build trust with colleagues, family, patients, and clients. She also presented the Global Women’s Network for Providers of Women’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery.

Thirdly, Asia Ashraf presented the background of substance use [among women] in Pakistan and highlighted the need to create an environment for healing for women by providing safe and gender-sensitive treatment. Finally, Sedef Erçetin joined and elaborated on the women-friendly treatment services provided by the Green Crescent in Türkiye. An example she provided included the YEDAM model, in which therapeutic communities are adapted to the Turkish cultures, family involvement,  and reintegration efforts. She also highlighted on how traditional gender roles and expectations can impact the women’s experience with addiction and, hence, it is crucial to create supportive environments that acknowledges the unique pressures women face and emphasise the importance of self-care and seeking professional help.