The project INSPIRE or StrengthenINg and amplifying the voiceS of women andyoung People affected by punItive dRug policies in South EastAsia aims to enable and support women (including transgender women) and young people affected by punitive drug policies in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia), including those who use drugs, formerly incarcerated and/or those that do sex work. These groups need to take action to generate change in the areas of improved access to justice, health and social services and space for political participation and civic engagement.

The project works towards the longer term objectives of de-carceration and decriminalisation for low-level drug offences (including drug use and possession of drugs for personal use).

It aims to see improved health and social outcomes for women and young people affected by punitive drug policies, specifically:

• Increased awareness of their human rights especially the right to health and freedom from arbitrary detention which are violated due to practices such as incarceration being used as the primary method of drug rehabilitation programmes.
• Increased understanding of how to take actions to assert their legal and human rights in relation to health and criminal justice systems, to address problems such as abusive law enforcement practices, disproportionate sentencing and over-incarceration.
• Increased support for gender-sensitive approaches to the design and delivery of harm reduction- and human rights-oriented health and social services for women and girls affected by punitive drug policies, that acknowledge the multiple forms of gender-based violence they face.

The project uses intersectional approaches to strengthen and build upon the relationships established among women and young people affected by punitive drug policies to increase their capacity to advocate for gender-sensitive and harm reduction-oriented approaches.

This project is a continuation / deepening of https://voice.global/grantees/spirit/

INSPIRE – Elevating the Voices of Women & Youth in Drug Policy Reform 

Across Southeast Asia, women, trans people, and young people who use drugs face systemic discrimination, violence, and legal oppression. With harsh drug laws fueling mass incarceration, police violence, and restricted access to healthcare, these communities often remain invisible in public debates on human rights. 

The INSPIRE project, coordinated by the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) and its local partners in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, set out to change that reality. By training rightsholders, strengthening advocacy networks, and amplifying voices in global policy forums, INSPIRE has paved the way for a more just and humane drug policy landscape. 

From the streets of Bangkok to the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, rightsholders have led the movement for drug decriminalization, harm reduction, and gender-inclusive policy reforms. They have successfully secured safe spaces, presented policy recommendations, and launched digital storytelling campaigns that have reshaped the conversation around drug use and human rights. 

Lessons Learned: What Worked & What’s Next 

• Community-Led Advocacy is the Most Powerful Tool
  When given the right resources, women, trans people, and youth affected by drug laws become their own most effective advocates. From local paralegal workshops to UN policy dialogues, rightsholders are now at the forefront of drug policy reform. 

• Shifting Narratives is Key to Systemic Change
  Through photovoice storytelling, media campaigns, and advocacy films, INSPIRE partners have shown that drug users are not criminals—they are individuals deserving dignity and rights. This human-centered approach has helped challenge public stigma. 

• Cross-Country Collaboration Strengthens Movements
  By uniting grassroots organizations across Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, INSPIRE has built a regional movement capable of influencing national and global policies. 

• Policy Advocacy Must Be Persistent
  While significant gains have been made, resistance from policymakers and law enforcement remains a challenge. Sustained advocacy and institutional partnerships will be essential for achieving long-term drug policy reforms. 

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Fight for Drug Policy Reform 

INSPIRE’s impact is just the beginning. Moving forward, the project’s partners will continue to: 

• Expand safe spaces and harm reduction services for rightsholders. 

• Push for drug decriminalization policies at national and regional levels. 

• Use digital storytelling and media campaigns to shift public perceptions. 

• Foster global advocacy efforts, ensuring rightsholders remain central to drug policy debates. 

As community leaders continue their fight for justice, the INSPIRE project stands as a testament to the power of grassroots activism, intersectional advocacy, and the resilience of marginalized communities. 

The movement for a humane, rights-based drug policy in Southeast Asia is growing and it will not be silenced.