Most articles dealing with the illicit drug trade portray women in traditional roles, occupying marginal positions, and being the victim and powerless. This article offers an alternative view, suggesting that women’s agency is fundamental to the social and economic organization of the drug world. The author argues that while women do suffer abuse and varied forms of discrimination that have led them to participate in the drug world, their participation and the importance of their activities relevant to the drug world provide them with a degree of empowerment that may benefit them in future, conventional pursuits. Four core activities performed by women are identified as being fundamental to the social and economic organization of the drug world. These activities, discussed at length, are: providing housing and other sustenance needs, purchasing drugs, participating in drug sales, and subsidizing male dependency. This discussion is followed by a look at how these drug world roles and capital can be transferred to conventional activities. The author maintains that by examining and understanding the nature and form of such perceived empowerment in the illicit drug world, scholars and policymakers will be better informed to promote offender re-integration and combat the social ills related to drug abuse. Notes, references