Numerous drug users express their desire to escape the hellish world of drugs. “We want a new start in life.” Another chance. As a result, there are ten rehabilitation centres over the island to give them the chance of getting back to a normal life in society.

The main issue, however, is that such centres have always catered mainly for men. Was it because it was believed that women were not concerned by drug abuse or was it pure sexism? Women were considered neither by the authorities nor by any solidarity centres. Shocking enough: they simply could not have access to these centres and had no means to fight their addiction.

Yet, not only are women not spared by drug abuse but this addiction has other implications for them. They are often caught in a vicious circle: after becoming regular drug users, many do not have the resources to buy their daily dose and resort to prostitution. Some have even had to abandon their children.

In this context, Audrey d’Hotman’s initiative - a rehabilitation centre for women - is most welcome. More than just welcome, there is a real need for such a centre. Chrysalide will accommodate drug users and prostitutes and try to free them from their former lifestyle. Women will be able to keep their children with them and bring them up as “normal parents.”

Chrysalide represents real hope for these women who feel they have been abandoned by their relatives. Their parents are often ashamed and have excluded them from the family circle.

However, the public may have underestimated the importance of the centre. Despite heavy media coverage on radio, Chrysalide has not benefited from much public support. A “teledon” did not bring much funding. Only Rs 42,000 was collected. Of course, this money will help and contributors should be thanked but more could have been done.

Chrysalide has not yet benefited from the backing it really deserves. Even the ministry for Women has turned a deaf ear on the issue for many weeks. It finally decided to take notice only recently. There are signs that the situation could soon be cleared up but the centre has not received any official support so far.

We could be tempted to think that the ministry has no compassion for women who are the most in need. The minister herself was very enthusiastic about the project. It seems that the origin of the problem is more a matter of disorganisation or… incompetence? There seems to be much confusion on the issue, which leads us to believe there is a lack of communication within the ministry itself.

Anyway, the fact remains that Chrysalide needs permanent financial support to really help these women. Many private firms and individuals have helped with donations in cash and in kind. Chrysalide appreciates these moves, which will help start its activity.

But what is the guarantee in the long term? All the backing from non-governmental organisations, private firms or even the Natresa is temporary. The centre is expected to open in September at the latest… Will it be given the means to give a second chance to women battered by life’s circumstances…