When women get involved

(Baonghean) - With the affection of mothers and sisters, over the years, female officials and members of the Women's Union in Dien Chau district have dedicated much time and effort to effectively implementing the "Women's Anti-Drug Club" model. This has contributed to crime prevention, combating social evils, and stabilizing the local area.

Ms. Dau Thi Lan, Chairwoman of the Women's Association of Dien Thanh commune, disseminated information about the Law on Drug Prevention and Control to the women in Hamlet 6.

In previous years, Hamlet 7 in Dien Ky commune was a hotspot for drug-related problems. At its peak, there were up to 16 drug addicts and 3 drug retail points. Consequently, theft and other crimes arose, and security and order in the area were unstable. With the decisive involvement of relevant authorities at all levels, the commune's "Women's Anti-Drug Club" has carried out many practical activities to stabilize the situation. Besides propaganda work, the club has coordinated with relevant departments to establish a crime reporting mailbox, promptly receiving information and reports from the people. As a result, in the last 5 years, there have been no new drug addicts in the hamlet. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, from Hamlet 7, Dien Ky commune, happily stated: "Thanks to the enthusiastic and responsible members of the club, the security situation in the area is now stable, and there are no new drug addicts. Everyone is now able to focus on production with peace of mind."

Ms. Chu Thi Hien, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Dien Ky commune, said: In 2008, the Women's Union of the commune established the "Women's Anti-Drug Club". Recognizing the important role of propaganda, mobilization, and education in drug prevention, the club's management board organized communication conferences on drug prevention, inviting police officers from the district to speak and provide information on social evils, especially drug abuse, to all local officials and club members. They also shared experiences and solutions for detecting, preventing, and combating drug infiltration into the area. The club members focused their propaganda efforts on high-risk groups such as those returning from working away from home, unemployed youth, students, and schoolchildren…

In Dien Thanh – one of the drug hotspots in Dien Chau district – a "Women's Anti-Drug Club" model has also been established. Ms. Dau Thi Lan, President of the Dien Thanh Women's Union, said: The club holds meetings once a month. Initially, some members thought that having a drug addict in the family was a private matter and didn't want to interfere, so they didn't want to join the club. After many club meetings, seeing the practical benefits, many members enthusiastically joined.

To date, 100% of the remaining communes and towns in Dien Chau district have established "Women and Drug Prevention" clubs. In addition, the district has also developed "Women and the Law" clubs, "Shelter of Love" clubs, and 452 women's mediation groups with nearly 2000 members participating. Through the broadcasting system, neighborhood meetings, and direct interaction with the target group and their families, club members have deeply disseminated information to raise awareness of drug prevention laws and helped drug addicts reintegrate into the community after rehabilitation. As a result, Dien Chau has now achieved 10 drug-free communes.

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Van Khang, Deputy Head of the Dien Chau District Police, stated: "With a sense of responsibility and practical actions, from 2013 to the present, the clubs have helped 60 people who had gone astray reintegrate into the community and 7 young people overcome drug addiction in the locality. They have also organized nearly 200 drug prevention and control awareness campaigns, attracting a large number of participants, especially young people. Notably, since the beginning of this year, the clubs have advised and contributed to the district police force in arresting and prosecuting 16 cases involving 19 individuals for illegal drug trafficking, possession, and use. They have also dismantled one major drug trafficking ring, eliminated two drug dens and 11 drug retail points in the district, and established centralized rehabilitation programs for 23 individuals." It can be said that the "Women's Anti-Drug" clubs in Dien Chau have been effective in raising awareness and responsibility among the people regarding drug prevention and control.

Speaking about the club's development direction, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa - President of the Dien Chau Women's Union - said: To ensure the model continues to be effective and to build exemplary models, the district Women's Union will direct all levels of the union to innovate the content and form of propaganda to attract more female members to participate. Besides coordinating with functional agencies in management, education, and organizing rehabilitation, it is necessary to strengthen vocational training, create loan sources, and develop the economy after rehabilitation…

Quang An