This handbook provides policy makers and practitioners in the drug field with evidence-based and operational recommendations to develop and implement policies and interventions that better integrate specific gender needs (gender-sensitive approach) and support more gender equity (gender-transformative approach) for people concerned with the provision of drug-related prevention and care (risk and harm reduction, treatment, reintegration), including in the criminal justice system.

Faithful to the principle of the Pompidou Group in ensuring a link between research, policy and practice and a focus on human rights, this handbook first explores theoretical views about gender and drug policy, draws on available scientific knowledge and presents recommendations and examples for practice. It is based on extensive debate and a consensus of experts from 13 countries and various professional backgrounds, for cross-cultural relevance. The handbook explores the complex areas of drug policies and gender that challenge our modern societies, animating lively debates, especially with the rise of feminist and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex + (LGBTQI+) movements in recent years. It was therefore essential for its authors to offer, in the glossary, definitions related to these two domains and, in this introduction, to explain the gender-related notions addressed.