Suzette Jackson: ’See women as people first, not just mothers’

2026-03-19

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Suzette Jackson has just submitted her PhD in social work at the University of Auckland, researching a unique drug treatment program for pregnant women and mothers at Higher Ground in Auckland.Suzette is 13 years in recovery from drug addiction. Her research followed seven women - five of them Māori - at the apex of need: living in cars, multiple children removed, severe family violence.Her big takeaway: be kind. See women as people first, not just mothers. Women who use drugs face double ...

Suzette Jackson has just submitted her PhD in social work at the University of Auckland, researching a unique drug treatment program for pregnant women and mothers at Higher Ground in Auckland.

Suzette is 13 years in recovery from drug addiction. Her research followed seven women - five of them Māori - at the apex of need: living in cars, multiple children removed, severe family violence.

Her big takeaway: be kind. See women as people first, not just mothers. Women who use drugs face double stigma.

Suzette would love to see these women given five years of support post-treatment with a system navigator to help hack the maze of housing, health, and Oranga Tamariki. Not a cost - an investment.

Content warning: This episode contains strong language.

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