In April, our Operations Manager attended the International Harm Reduction Conference in Bogotá, Colombia.
From April 27 to 30, our Operations Manager Natalie Stephenson attended the International Harm Reduction Conference (HR25) in Bogotá, Colombia on behalf of the Center for Justice. This major global gathering brought together over 2,000 attendees and featured hundreds of workshops, panels, and side events centered on harm reduction practices, drug policy reform, and community-driven responses to state violence. The sessions covered a wide range of issues—from indigenous coca cultivation and use to Global South leadership in harm reduction.
Below is an excerpt of Natalie's reflections from the conference and her time with our partners in Colombia:
"One of the most impactful elements of HR25 was the prominent role of people who use or have used substances. Their lived experience brought essential insight and urgency to the conversations. It was a privilege to learn from so many who are doing transformative community organizing work to address the harms caused by punitive drug laws, militarization, and police violence.
In addition to the rich learning from conference programming, I had the opportunity to spend significant time with 14 representatives from the International Network of Formerly Incarcerated Women (INFIW). Together, we shared meaningful experiences facilitated by our local host organization, Mujeres Libres. Highlights included a visit to the Bogotá Women’s Prison, a ride on the 3.4 km cable car through Ciudad Bolívar, and a homemade lunch hosted in a member’s home.
We also held a strategic planning session focused on INFIW’s goals and growth for the year ahead. These four days were filled not only with collaboration and learning but also with moments of joy—dining, shopping, and dancing together, strengthening the bonds within our network.
This trip offered both deep professional insight and personal connection, reinforcing the importance of global solidarity, lived experience, and feminist leadership in the fight for justice and dignity."
