A new book focusing on the experiences of drug-addicted women in Nepal was launched in Kathmandu on Thursday, shedding light on the intersection of feminism and substance use. Titled *Simantabata Andolansamma* (From the Margins to the Movement), the publication aims to amplify the voices of women who use drugs, highlighting their challenges and promoting discourse on their rights and empowerment.

The launch event featured several notable figures, including Shobha Khanal, a member of the House of Representatives, Prabin Shakya, director of the Family Planning Association of Nepal, and Parina Limbu and Sumira Shrestha, both co-authors and founders of organizations working on women's rights and research. The initiative was organized by Dristi Nepal in collaboration with the Tewa organization.

During the event, Khanal committed to advocating for the concerns of drug-addicted women in legislative discussions, particularly during clause-wise reviews of bills related to women and children. She stressed the importance of state support to help these women develop their literary, cultural, and other skills, as well as to overcome addiction-related obstacles, enabling them to live with dignity and self-respect.

Shakya highlighted that Nepal has an estimated 130,424 people who use drugs, with women comprising approximately 6.7 percent, or 8,732 individuals. He praised Dristi Nepal’s efforts in bringing attention to the issues these women face through the publication, which combines success stories and statistical data to emphasize empowerment, treatment, and skill development.

Co-author Parina Limbu explained that the book was created to bring to the forefront the experiences of women who use drugs, particularly those affected by violence, health challenges, limited sexual and reproductive health rights, and restricted access to government services. The publication seeks to integrate these experiences into broader feminist conversations.

Sumira Shrestha described the book as a valuable resource for understanding the realities of women who use drugs, their rights struggles, and their endeavors to actively engage in society. The text draws on both national and international data, contrasting differences between women and men who use drugs, and underscores the necessity of recognizing women's rights and empowerment in this context.

Overall, the book aims to foster greater public awareness and contribute to policy discussions on support and inclusion for drug-addicted women in Nepal, emphasizing their right to dignity and meaningful participation in society.