Ask Women – on Drugs
Change the narrative with the women experts from the European databases of the ENWE network.
Dear reader,
Welcome to the May issue of our Ask Women newsletter, brought to you by the European Network for Women Excellence (ENWE) in collaboration with the women experts’ databases in our network: 100esperte, AcademiaNet, Agenda d’Expertes, The Brussels Binder, Expertalia, Les Expertes and Ona Ve.
This Edition’s Theme:
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26)
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, underscores the global commitment to raising awareness of the serious challenges that illicit drugs pose to society.
The day serves as a call for evidence-based strategies, international cooperation, and lasting engagement. It reinforces the need for balanced approaches that advance health, uphold justice and strengthen effective prevention.
Meet the experts
Below, you’ll find the profiles and contacts of women experts in various fields available for interviews, panel discussions, events, and other opportunities.
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Please note:
you may have to change the language setting to ENG at the top right of the 100esperte website to view the profiles in English language.
DANIELA IRRERA
Full Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the Scuola Superiore della Difesa, Rome. Professor of Political Violence and Terrorism and of Sustainability and Civil Society at the OSCE Academy Bishkek. Her current research focuses on the influence of the civil society groups and NGOs and criminals in global politics.
Contact nowMIRIAM MELIS
Full Professor of Pharmacology at University of Cagliari where she leads a laboratory of preclinical neuropsychopharmacology. Her research focuses on the mechanisms of the vulnerability to manifest brain disorders linked to dysfunctional activity of dopamine and endocannabinoid systems.
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VANESSA VICENTE ALTAVA
Social educator with 16 years of experience, including over a decade in therapeutic communities supporting individuals with substance and behavioral addictions. Also led supported housing coordination and, in later years, directed vocational and educational programs for people at risk of social exclusion.
MARTA MIQUEL SALGADO-ARAUJO
Neuroscientist and professor of Psychobiology specializing in the neurobiology of addiction. Her research explores cerebellar plasticity and its role in addiction mechanisms, using molecular, anatomical, and behavioral approaches.
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AIMEE COMRIE
Canadian lawyer with over 15 years of experience in international criminal law, with a strong focus on countering human trafficking, including trafficking linked to drug-related organized crime. As the policy lead for GLO.ACT, a joint EU-UNODC initiative, she supports global efforts to address trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling across multiple regions, including Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Her expertise includes using financial investigations and anti-money laundering measures to combat trafficking networks, as well as applying victim-centred approaches in cases involving forced labour, sexual slavery, and exploitation.
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LAIA PLAZA-HERNÁNDEZ
Laia Plaza-Hernández has over a decade of experience addressing drug use, beginning with her work as a psychologist for a service supporting People Who Use Drugs (PWUD). Her expertise includes the intersection of drug use with gender-based violence and nightlife environments, applying a gender-sensitive and human rights-based approach. Currently, she works as a Gender Expert at Fundación Salud y Comunidad / Noctambul@s Observatory, contributing to international programmes that explore drug use through feminist and intersectional lenses.
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LARISA LARA-GUERRERO
Award-winning expert in migration and development, with a focus on Mexican diaspora communities. Her research has explored how these communities respond to the impacts of drug-related violence and state policies in Mexico, highlighting links between organized crime, human rights and transnational activism.
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ALICE DESCHENAU
Psychiatrist and head of the addictology department at the Paul Guiraud - Fondation Vallée hospital group (specialized in mental health). She is also President of the French-speaking tobacco society, and a member of the Board of the Fédération Française d'Addictologie, the Common home for addictions, mental disorders and health.
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IVANA OBRADOVIC
Political scientist specializing in drugs and drug-related public policy. Deputy Director of the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies (OFDT). Her work focuses on cannabis regulation policies in countries that have legalized cannabis, such as the United States, Uruguay and Canada. She also works on drug-related penal policies in France and alcohol-related sexual violence. She recently published Le cannabis (Repères, La Découverte, 2022).
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BERNARDA SKRABAR DAMNJANOVIC
Experienced and certified international detective, founder and owner of one of Slovenia’s leading detective agencies. With a Master’s in security studies and over 15 years of experience, her agency is known for international investigations and a strong commitment to ethical business practices. Her insights are particularly valuable in addressing the security, legal, and cross-border challenges linked to organized crime.
ALENKA VERBOLE
Diplomat, mediator, researcher, journalist, trainer, and motivational speaker with over 25 years of international experience, gained through her work in decision-making positions at the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Her work in peacebuilding, human rights, and youth and gender equality offers key perspectives on how complex challenges affect governance, security, and vulnerable communities.
ENWE is committed to fostering dialogue, promoting diversity, and amplifying the voices of women experts across Europe. With Ask Women, we aim to showcase the incredible achievements and insights of these talented professionals, helping to bridge the gender gap in the media and beyond.
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