This report presents a summary overview of the findings of a large in-depth qualitative study of women’s involvement in the Dublin drug economy carried out between 2020 and 2022. It is the first study exclusively focusing on such an experience in Ireland.

The Terms of Reference and the aims and objectives of the study were drawn up collaboratively with CityWide and following an initial scoping focus group with professional workers in December 2019 and discussions with women with lived experience in January and February 2020, these were further refined. The study’s overall objective is to explore the lived experience of women affected by the drug economy. While the aim is to access locally based knowledge about women’s experiences, it is also hoped that this will impact more broadly on policy and ensure that the voices of women directly involved impact on and inform future prac!ice, policy and national strategies in the future. To do this, this study sought the first-hand accounts of women with lived experiences of the drug economy alongside the views and opinions of those involved in drug services and community-based organisa!ions. The study is further informed by extensive literature searches and review of exis!ing research findings regarding women and drug use, crime and involvement in the drug economy.