Commemorating 30 years since South Africa's watershed democratic elections, the South African Network of People who Use Drugs (SANPUD) announces a pivotal Harm Reduction Capacity Building event for adolescent girls and young women. The historical context underscores the urgency and importance of addressing the multifaceted challenges that still plague various demographics, particularly those most vulnerable.

SANPUD will host this capacity-building event over two days, starting on Friday, April 5, and concluding on Saturday, April 6. The focus will be on providing life-saving knowledge and support around harm reduction services, responsible stimulant drug use, and sexual reproductive healthcare catered to women who use drugs. Beyond health, the event will tackle the critical and pervasive issue of gender-based violence.

The workshops will take place across two venues: at the premises of African Women Rising SA in Phillipi Village on Friday 05 April and The True Vine Church in Khayelitsha on Saturday 06 April. The proceedings will commence at 9:00 AM on both days, aimed at maximizing accessibility for the programme's intended audience.

The primary goal is to educate and empower girls and young women to navigate the challenging landscapes of substance use and sexual health. Attendees will walk away with comprehensive knowledge on how to engage with harm reduction services and protect themselves against gender-based violence. SANPUD places a special focus on fostering a space for dialogue, where experiences can be shared openly, and questions can be addressed candidly.

The target demographic for these workshops includes:

Adolescent girls and young womenw who  are considered at higher risk within the community.Participants involved in the People Living with HIV (PLHIV) sector.Members and advocates within the SANPUD network.

One of the highlights of the agenda is an interactive Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage experts on the various presentations delivered. This exchange promises to

highlight the lived experiences of the participants and identify the challenges and barriers specific to adolescent girls and young women within these contexts.

SANPUD reiterates its commitment to the well-being of youth in South Africa, recognising the disparities and dangers that still exist three decades post-democracy. It strives to be a catalyst for positive change, offering actionable education and strategies as tools for empowerment.

Contact Information: For more details on the event or to arrange interviews with SANPUD representatives, please contact:

Phumlani Malinga076 221 2984phumlani@nitric.co.za

Join SANPUD in effecting real change—one individual at a time.