28 April 2025
Established in 2022, the award honours the legacy of Jude Byrne—a tireless advocate for the health, rights, and dignity of people who use drugs. A founding member of INPUD, a former member of the INHSU board, and a global leader in harm reduction, Jude was also a passionate mentor. This award continues her legacy by supporting the next generation of women leaders with lived or living experience of drug use.
Applications close on 5 May and the two awardees will receive a transformative leadership opportunity, including:
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A personalised nine-month mentorship program co-designed with INPUD
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A full scholarship to attend INHSU 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa (14–17 October), covering travel, accommodation, and registration
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The opportunity to present their work on a global stage
“What makes this program so powerful is that it’s tailored to each recipient. We work closely with awardees to co-design a mentorship that reflects their goals, strengths, and areas for growth. It’s about supporting women to lead in their own way, in their own communities—just as Jude always did,” Annie Madden, International Network of People Who Use Drugs (INPUD).
Designed for women in the early to mid-stages of their leadership journey, the award recognises those with a clear commitment to advocacy, harm reduction, and drug policy reform.
“Jude was a deeply valued member of the INHSU board—her wisdom, courage, and advocacy shaped much of who we are today. At our annual conference each year, the presentations from Jude Byrne Award recipients have become a powerful and moving highlight. We look forward to welcoming the 2025 winners to Cape Town to continue celebrating the legacy Jude built,” Emma Day, Executive Director, INHSU.
Applications are open to anyone who identifies as female, globally, with lived or living experience of drug use and a passion for advancing the health and rights of people who use drugs. Self-nominations and peer nominations are both encouraged.
Applications close 23:59 CET, 5 May 2025.
For full eligibility criteria and to apply or nominate someone, visit:
