We can’t deny the fact that substance abuse has been one of the huge setbacks in our society here in Nepal. The belief of about only the males using drugs in this orthodox society has put question mark on the female drugs users’ very existence and their issues and problems. This is even worse for women who face the double stigma of being a woman and a drug user.  Therefore, they are reluctant to access any HIV/AIDS services. Gender inequalities and discrimination are prominent in Nepal.  This is one of the major reasons why female IDUs/DUs do not disclose about drug use.  . Most female drug users are compelled to go through sexual, emotional and physical violence in order to support their drug use in the absence of alternatives to leave drugs There is an existing gap for programs related to the special needs of female drug users.  This increases their risk for HIV transmission from needle exchange, as well as unsafe sex.

Therefore, to address the issues, advocate, care and treatment and to prevent female drug users from drug-led HIV/AIDS and help them reintegrate them into their societies Dristi Nepal was established in 2006 with the group of female ex-drug users.

According to the data by reaching the group female drug users (IDUs/DUs) by Dristi Nepal, they are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS than their male counterparts and despite this we lack services, supports from the donor agencies and government and even the communities, thus, making the group more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. The realities of their daily lives, including:  treatment and rehabilitation, life skills, gender based violence and income generation skills are in very poor conditions that can be easily noticed.  There is a need to advocate for the inclusion of a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention, care and treatment for female drug users. Furthermore, no interventions from GOs or any other INGOs have been initiated to deal with the problems faced by drug using females and recovering as well.

 Through this website we would like to urge people from the different walks of life to support us to advocate for the rights to access to care, support and treatment and reintegrate in the society. Last but not the list, “We do exist! Treatment is our right”



Thank you for the support all these years.



Parina Subba Limbu,

Program Director

Dristi Nepal.