By ibrahima pima
Outstanding Women Honored on Global Women’s Day: Ecolink Institute Recognizes Pioneers in Drug Demand Reduction
Ecolink Institute of Well-Being in India proudly celebrated Global Women’s Day by recognizing two exceptional women for their outstanding contributions to Drug Demand Reduction. The esteemed awardees were Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, Director of Eye Opener, an NGO based in Nigeria, and Shalini Sharma, Director of the Social Development Foundation in New Delhi, India. Both distinguished individuals are alumni of the Ecolink Institute, having completed the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC), and are actively engaged as members of the International Society for Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP).
The announcement of these prestigious international awards was made by Dr. Thomas Scaria, the Director of Ecolink Institute, during the Women’s Day celebrations on March 8, 2024. Aditi Ghanekar, a global trainer, introduced Shalini Sagar and presented her with the “Ecolink Woman of the Year Award,” while Dr. Thirumagal, a global trainer and consultant to Ecolink Institute, introduced Margaret Julius and bestowed upon her the “Global Prevention Leadership Award.”
In her gracious acceptance speech, Margaret expressed her deep honor at receiving the 2024 Global Prevention Leadership Award on Substance Use Disorder on International Women’s Day.
Following the awards ceremony, Margaret extended heartfelt gratitude to the Ecolink Institute of Well-Being. As a proud alumna from Nigeria, she underscored the significance of this moment, symbolizing a united effort against the widespread challenge of substance use disorder, particularly prevalent in Nigeria. Margaret pledged her unwavering dedication to applying the knowledge gained at Ecolink to assist those struggling with substance use disorder in Nigeria, emphasizing that this recognition only fuels her determination further.
Ecolink, an approved “Training Provider” of the Colombo Plan, delivers the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) and Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorder—an evidence-based training series developed and promoted by the Colombo Plan, UNODC, and the US Department of State. Ecolink is affiliated with ISSUP, a global network of addiction professionals, and the Global Center for Credentialing and Certification (GCCC).
