Finalist
Fixing a Gendered System
by WA Communications on behalf of Camurus
Summary of work
In recent years, drug-related deaths have increased by more than double the rate in women than they have in men.i Yet the drug treatment and wider problematic substance misuse system is designed around men’s needs. Women, particularly Mothers, are held back by a system that judges them, is seen to take away their children, and fails them time and again.
Against this backdrop, there is a clear and urgent need for policy change, to build a system which better reflects what women need, meeting them where they are rather than demanding attendance in services dominated by men and poorly designed to respond to trauma.
Camurus’ heritage in opioid dependence meant that they were ideally placed to lead the charge, bringing together expert opinion, and finally bring to the debate the unheard voices of those wanting to access support but prevented from doing so.
Our Fixing a Gendered System programme was designed to urge policy change, building advocacy for implementable solutions which are founded in the needs and voices of women and Mothers with lived and living experiences. With the support of system stakeholders, providers, and Parliamentarians, system reform is now a real opportunity.
Judges’ comments
The “Fixing a Gendered System” had a lot to like. It was really focused on entering the people’s voice and had a strong narrative. It had ambitious objectives in a challenging area. The judges look forward to seeing how this one develops.
