February 2025 SANPUD successfully delivered an intensive and highly productive Interpol training at Wits University Medical Campus, marking a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and drug trafficking. This initiative did more than just educate law enforcement officials; it forged bonds between academia, health professionals, and justice stakeholders. The collaborative nature of the training underscored the critical importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex issues like GBV and trafficking.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration 

Seven Interpol member states—Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Eswatini, Namibia, and Zimbabwe—sent participants, affirming the regional commitment to addressing these pressing issues. The training aimed to capacitate Interpol staff on gender-sensitive harm reduction and the intersection with GBV, which was achieved and well-regarded by the attendees. In addition to law enforcement knowledge, participants shared invaluable experiences regarding the vulnerabilities of women within trafficking circuits, providing insights that will shape future harm reduction training. Over the course of two and a half days, the capacitation encompassed learning agendas and collaborative discussions.

The first two days were dedicated to education on harm reduction principles, language use, and recognising and mitigating gender exploitation harms. The final day brought all the learnings together, focusing on integrating GBV, trafficking, harm reduction, and gender diversity into current policies. The participants engaged deeply, networking and expanding their understanding of harm reduction profoundly. One of the highlights was the discussion on how financial exploitation and poverty drive vulnerable women into roles such as drug mules or sex workers. The interactive nature of the training provided insights on profiling and intercepting large drug shipments, a testament to the knowledge-sharing ethos of the event. This training was not just a professional obligation; it was a transformative experience, offering learning opportunities for facilitators and participants alike.

​"The success of this training lies in its ability to connect theory with practice, sharing knowledge directly applicable to real-world situations. Participants left with a deeper understanding of harm reduction principles and the language required to address these issues sensitively. They are now better equipped to recognise and reduce gender exploitation harms and apply harm reduction principles to stimulants and alcohol."  Julie MacDonnell, Human Rights Consultant for SANPUD

Transformative Learning and Future Initiatives

​The training concluded on a high note, with intense discussions and shared learning experiences. The collaborative learning and sharing among regional Interpol and SARPCCO officers from nine member states showcased a unified approach against GBV and drug trafficking. Discussions covered various drug policies in SADC countries and how GBV intersects with drug trafficking, enhancing the depth of understanding of substance classes and drug types prevalent in Southern Africa. Looking forward, the capacitation and actualisation of a gender-focused approach will continue. This experience not only underscored the importance of the training but also emphasised the need for ongoing collaborative learning. Special thanks to the Wits University faculty of Public Health for hosting this crucial training.

The optimism is palpable, and there's hope that this marks the beginning of true cooperative learning. In a world where GBV and trafficking are pervasive, this training showcased the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. By including academia and healthcare professionals alongside law enforcement, the training offered a comprehensive perspective that is essential for effective intervention. The feedback and engagement from participants demonstrated the power of collaborative learning, highlighting issues of financial exploitation and poverty and their impact on vulnerable women.

The success of this training lies in its ability to connect theory with practice, sharing knowledge that is directly applicable to real-world situations. The participants left with a deeper understanding of harm reduction principles and the language required to address these issues sensitively. They are now better equipped to recognise and reduce gender exploitation harms and apply harm reduction principles to stimulants and alcohol.

As we move forward, the lessons learned from this training will serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards a more collaborative, nuanced, and evidence-informed approach to combating GBV and trafficking. The hope is that this marks the beginning of a new era of cooperative learning, where academia, health professionals, and law enforcement agencies can work together to create a safer and more equitable world.